Mbabane – The Youth Chamber of Commerce & Industries Eswatini (YCCIE) has launched a nationwide push to support young entrepreneurs by creating accessible local points for business development and representation. President Sakhile Nsibandze said the organisation’s mission is to identify talent, assess local demand, and deliver impactful programmes that strengthen youth-led businesses across the country.
Speaking at the signing event with creative enterprise A Peculiar People, Nsibandze acknowledged the contribution of Melusi “Zox” Dlamini for his hands-on approach in driving results and ensuring effective implementation. The partnership will connect grassroots producers to platforms such as the Made in Eswatini store, national marketplaces, and events, giving young businesses increased visibility and direct access to customers.
Nsibandze noted that past efforts included data collection in eight municipalities to understand local demand and consumption patterns. “Today shows how important it is for young people to reclaim their space in the economy and support Swazi businesses,” she said, adding that many everyday products currently come from outside the country, which poses risks if borders are closed.
The chamber has signed multiple memoranda of understanding with NGOs and other organisations in recent years, creating a foundation for collaboration this year. “After today, we will work in the communities to collect more data and expand support for local entrepreneurs,” Nsibandze said, stressing that the initiative will ensure that youth-led businesses are represented and supported across all regions of Eswatini.
