OVER 500K TOYOTA HILUX AWAITS ESWATINI’S TOP ENTREPRENEUR

BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE

MBABANE – Four regional business champions are vying for a Toyota Hilux worth E586 591, with the coveted prize offering more than just a new vehicle. For the eventual winner, it could provide a valuable boost to business operations, improve deliveries, expand market reach and accelerate growth.

The 2026 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 GD-6, inclusive of one year’s insurance, was unveiled at FNB Eswatini’s head office in Ezulwini as part of the bank’s continued commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The vehicle is expected to provide practical support to the winning entrepreneur by easing the transportation of stock, facilitating product deliveries, improving access to customers and opening doors to new markets.

Speaking during the unveiling, FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini said the bank believed business support should translate into tangible benefits for entrepreneurs and the broader economy.

“Our people must be able to easily access it and feel its effect on their lives,” he said.

Dlamini reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting local enterprises through lending, advisory services and products tailored to their needs. He added that feedback gathered during the FNB SME Growth Forums held between July and August would help shape solutions expected to be introduced in the coming months.

The four finalists represent different sectors of Eswatini’s economy and come from the country’s four regions.

Epower Hardware represents Shiselweni, while Eli Olivia, an agricultural venture owned by Eli Olivia Khoza, represents Lubombo.

Hhohho is represented by Melane Leather Eswatini, owned by Dumsile Nobuhle Simelane, while Notsa Eswatini Traditional Attire, owned by Mantantasa Wandile Dlamini, represents Manzini.

Together, the finalists showcase the diversity of local entrepreneurship, spanning agriculture, construction supplies, leather craftsmanship and traditional clothing.

SEDCO Chief Executive Officer Khethiwe Mhlanga encouraged entrepreneurs to look beyond their immediate markets and explore opportunities across the country, particularly in manufacturing and other value chains that could strengthen local businesses.

She also urged entrepreneurs to remain focused on growing their enterprises, regardless of the competition’s outcome.

Established in 2002, the awards recognise entrepreneurial achievement and promote the development of local enterprises.

FNB Eswatini and the FNB Eswatini Foundation have committed E2 million towards the 2026 awards, with total sponsorship reported to exceed E2.2 million.

Figures presented during the awards programme indicate that recognised enterprises have collectively generated turnover exceeding E167 million and supported more than 1 600 jobs, highlighting the contribution of entrepreneurship to economic activity and employment creation.

With the winner set to be announced on October 21, the competition has once again drawn attention to the importance of equipping local businesses with the resources, support and opportunities needed to thrive.

For the entrepreneur who drives away with the Hilux, the prize could represent more than a personal achievement. It could become a practical business asset, helping transform ambition into expanded operations, stronger market access and sustainable growth.