NHLANGANO – EPower Hardware, a youth-owned business from Nhlangano, has been named the Overall Shiselweni Regional Winner at the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year (EYA) Regional Awards.
Owned by Hlobsile Dlamini, EPower Hardware took the top regional prize after judges recognised its innovation, resilience, solid business management and sustained growth. The business also secured the Outstanding Youth-Owned Business award, underscoring its strong performance among young entrepreneurs in the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo congratulated all the winners and entrants for their contribution to Eswatini’s economy. He said Shiselweni recorded 93 applications, the second-highest number of entries in the country, with more than 70 percent of submissions coming from women-led businesses. 
The Minister said government remains committed to supporting micro, small and medium enterprises through policies and initiatives that promote business growth, market access and citizen economic empowerment.
Category winners announced at the event included:
- Outstanding Woman-Owned Business: Dudu’s Dressmaking & Fashion Design – Dudu Mabuza-Mkhaliphi
- Outstanding Agri-Business: Mozane Projects – Nokulunga Sibeko
- Most Tech-Savvy Business: Star Photo Printers – Sandile Ngwenya
- Outstanding Handicraft Business: Siphepho Investment – Ntombi Dlamini
- Outstanding Start-up Business: With Love Pharmacy – Ncobile Mathunjwa
- Outstanding Informal Sector Business: Nothi’s Bakery – Nothando Mayisela
- Outstanding Business Owned by a Person with Disabilities: ZIC Gallery – Mpendulo Brian Dlamini
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade said the achievements of these entrepreneurs reflect growing innovation and commitment among business owners, and show how local enterprises are driving economic development and creating opportunities for emaSwati.
