LocationsThe story of two entrepreneurs-turned-industry leaders
From Opportunity to Impact
May 28, 2025
Entrepreneur Sandile Mavuso poses with the UNDP delegation.
UNDP/Mantoe Phakathi
What started as a simple call for applications in 2017 has grown into a national success story. Two young visionaries, Sandile Mavuso and Duncan Dlamini, responded to a youth entrepreneurship initiative and, today, they stand as two of Eswatini’s most inspiring young business owners.
Their transformation was made possible through a strategic partnership between the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has supported 29 youth-led start-ups across the country.
The Programme Behind the Success
The initiative combines RSTP’s incubation services with seed funding from UNDP’s Funding Windows – a flexible, multi-donor funding mechanism. This support structure is designed to tackle pressing challenges like youth unemployment, which affects 58% of young people aged 15 – 35 in Eswatini.
By fostering innovation, building capacity, and offering financial backing, the programme has enabled young entrepreneurs to scale their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Sibongile Beverages: Brewing Success in Matsapha
Mavuso, founder of Sibongile Beverages, started with kombucha brewed in his kitchen. He now runs a fully operational factory in the Matsapha Industrial Site, Manzini Region, employing seven people.
“One of my biggest highlights was getting my product onto the shelf at OK Foods,” says Mavuso. “I asked to place it there myself – it was an unforgettable experience.”
With E135,000 (USD 7 500) in seed funding, Mavuso purchased essential equipment and raw materials. Over the years, his product line has expanded to include:
1. Six kombucha flavours
2. Three iced tea flavours
3. Three water kefir flavours
4. Three vitamin water flavours
5. Protein shake is in the pipeline, earmarked to be released at the end of June 2025.
He also secured a E100,000 (USD 5 560) loan from the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund, under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, to support further growth.
Looking Beyond Borders
Mavuso exhibited his products at the 2024 Taipei International Food Show, through support from Eswatini Investment Promotions Authority (EIPA) where he attracted interest from potential international partners. He is hopeful that being among 20 initial MSMEs benefiting from the Ingelo Local Certification Scheme, supported by UNDP and implemented by the Eswatini Standards Authority, will open mainstream markets, both locally and internationally.
Entrepreneur Duncan Dlamini takes the UNDP delegation around his piggery farm.
UNDP/Mantoe Phakathi
DJD Investments: Powering the Pork Industry
At Matsetsa, in the Lubombo Region, Duncan Dlamini is revolutionising pork production through his company, DJD Investments. He used his E270,000 (USD 15 000) seed grant to establish a waste management system and increase his furrowing crates from 10 to 28.
Today, Dlamini:
1. Employs 18 full-time and 6 part-time staff from his community
2. Supplies major retailers including OK Foods and Boxer
3. Operates a business that still can’t keep up with demand
“The RSTP/UNDP business model was a game changer for me,” says Dlamini. “It propelled me to greater heights.”
To scale even further, he secured a E2.86 million (USD 159 000) loan from Eswatini Bank, which also helped fund a borehole and perimeter fencing among other facilities.
A Visit from Global Partners
On May 23, both entrepreneurs welcomed an esteemed delegation including:
1. Mr Henrik Franklin, UNDP Resident Representative
2. Ms Caitlin Piper, Chargé d'Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Eswatini
3. Ms Liesel Töpfer, German Embassy Liaison Officer
4. Ms Nomvula Gulwako, Acting CEO of RSTP
5. UNDP Student Ambassadors
This visit highlighted the power of public-private partnerships and international support for youth innovation.
Mr Henrik Franklin, UNDP Resident Representative
“It was really encouraging to see two young entrepreneurs supported by UNDP creating employment for others, especially women and youth, and contributing to the economy. The significant core funding to UNDP from both the United States and Germany is instrumental in enabling us to improve the lives of emaSwati.”
Ms Caitlin Piper, U.S. Embassy
“The United States is proud to be a longstanding contributor to UNDP. These entrepreneurs are proof that with the right support, the private sector can be a powerful engine for economic growth and job creation in Eswatini.”
Ms Liesel Töpfer, German Liaison Officer
“Germany supports innovative youth entrepreneurship in Eswatini through the European Union. Seed capital is important - it gives a head start.”
The journeys of Mavuso and Dlamini reflect a broader vision: when young people are given the tools, mentorship, and capital to succeed, they create jobs, solve local challenges, and boost the national economy. This initiative by RSTP and UNDP is more than a business incubator – it’s a launchpad for Eswatini’s future innovators.