Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Opens Doors for Eswatini Entrepreneurs

Eswatini entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas have been invited to apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF), a prestigious international programme aimed at supporting high-potential startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The programme is run in partnership with Imperial College London’s Enterprise Lab and will commence its second cohort in November.

According to the Small Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO), applicants must have a minimum viable product or working prototype, with evidence of customer interest, engagement, or early sales.

In a statement, SEDCO explained that the Fellowship offers a six-month intensive programme combining in-person and online learning. It is designed to strengthen business skills, provide tailored mentorship, and connect entrepreneurs to a global network of experts, investors, and fellow innovators.

Only 40 businesses will be selected across two cohorts, making this a highly competitive opportunity. Applications for the November cohort are currently open and will close next Monday.

“Eligible applicants must be graduates who are citizens or permanent residents of Eswatini. In addition to being fluent in English, prospective fellows must already be working on a startup that demonstrates innovation, whether through its product, service, or business model. The business should have been in active development for at least six months, with a committed team driving its growth. The programme is not just focused on scaling up businesses, but also on building sustainable solutions that can address key challenges within local and international markets,” the statement reads.

Benefit
The organisers emphasised that the Fellowship not only benefits individual entrepreneurs but also contributes to building innovation-driven economies across the Commonwealth. By equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills and strategic insights, the CSF aims to accelerate business growth and job creation in participating countries.

“Entrepreneurs from Eswatini and other eligible nations are encouraged to apply before the deadline. Full details of the application process are available on the Imperial Enterprise Lab and Commonwealth Scholarship websites. For additional support or inquiries, applicants can contact the programme team at CSF@imperial.ac.uk,” the statement concludes.

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