His Majesty King Mswati III has urged entrepreneurs to focus on creating and retaining wealth within the country by reinvesting their profits into the local economy.
Addressing business leaders at the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, the king said local investment was essential for driving national growth and creating sustainable employment.
He identified manufacturing and retail as two sectors with strong potential for expansion and encouraged businesspeople to explore opportunities within them.
Acting Prime Minister Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe echoed the king’s remarks, saying Eswatini remained open for business and welcomed both local and international investment. He added that initiatives such as the EYA demonstrated the country’s commitment to nurturing a strong and competitive private sector.
Innovation recognised as Datamatics impresses king
Last year’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award overall winner, Datamatics Eswatini, co-owned by Sibusiso Baartjies and Thokozane Ginindza, once again captured the attention of His Majesty King Mswati III during this year’s ceremony.
The company presented its new data processing tool designed to modernise and digitise Tinkhundla centres. Baartjies explained that the tool was piloted across Tinkhundla centres, schools and healthcare facilities, adding that it could also be used to detect and track the movement of pharmaceuticals.
Datamatics Eswatini was recognised for its continued achievements in innovation and technology. The company recently represented Eswatini at the 11th International Best Practice Competition (IBPC) 2025 held in Dubai, earning international acclaim for its work.
His Majesty said the company’s global success was proof that local entrepreneurs could compete internationally and urged others to follow suit.
“I commend Datamatics Eswatini for their dedication to innovation and for taking the country to a global stage. Their work not only demonstrates the talent within our country but also creates opportunities for growth, skills development and investment that benefit the entire nation,” he said.
Emotional moments steal the spotlight at EYA
The 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) were not only a celebration of business excellence but also a showcase of courage, humour and humanity.
Two moments in particular stood out during the glittery ceremony held at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.
Among the night’s most touching scenes was the recognition of the Network of Businesswomen with Disabilities, who received E45 000 after being named winners in the category for women living with disabilities.
As the group approached the stage, one of the recipients, supported by a walking aid, made her way forward with quiet determination. When others tried to assist, she gently but firmly said “Ngiyekeleni,” meaning “Let me go ahead.”
Her confident expression of independence drew visible emotion from His Majesty, who asked his protocol officers to allow her to reach him at her own pace and with dignity. When she finally arrived at the stage, the exchange between the king and the winner was warm and unhurried. The two shared a brief conversation and a smile as the audience looked on in admiration.
Speaking after the ceremony, the recipient said she had not wanted to be helped out of sympathy but had simply wanted to experience the honour of meeting the king and being recognised for her work.
“I didn’t want people to feel sorry for me. I am just happy to stand here and receive this award,” she said.
Guests applauded her resilience, describing the moment as one that reflected the true spirit of inclusion and empowerment within Eswatini’s growing entrepreneurial community.
Another memorable highlight came from Mumcy Zwane of Temangweni’s Handicraft, who won E45 000 as one of the regional award recipients.
As she walked up to the stage to receive her prize, Zwane, visibly excited, accidentally reached out to shake hands with the OACPS Secretary-General, Moussa Batraki, before turning to His Majesty. The mix-up caused ripples of laughter across the hall, including from the king himself, who smiled and took the moment in good humour. Speaking later, Zwane said she had been overwhelmed by the experience and momentarily forgot protocol.
“I was too happy to remember exactly who I was supposed to shake. I think I started with the secretary-general before going to His Majesty,” she said, laughing.
The light-hearted moment quickly became one of the evening’s favourites, reflecting the warmth and humility that characterised the entire ceremony.
