ABOUT 200 women entrepreneurs are set to benefit from the 2026 Women’s Growth-Oriented Micro Enterprise Accelerator Programme.
This is an initiative aimed at helping small businesses grow, become more financially disciplined and reach their full potential.
Taiwan Embassy to Eswatini Minister Ching-Lin Tsuei said the programme was implemented under the Women’s Micro Enterprise Mentoring and Capacity Building Project in Eswatini. Tsuei was speaking during the launch of the Women’s Growth-Oriented Micro Enterprise Accelerator Programme held at ECODEC in Ezulwini yesterday. He said the programme offers structured support to businesses that are already up and running, with a focus on those employing up to 20 staff and generating steady monthly income between E4 200 and E42 000.
The programme also aims to support the development of a pipeline of growth-oriented businesses, contributing to job creation, income generation and inclusive economic development in the country.
He also said special priority would be given to women entrepreneurs, particularly members of Kuyenteka SACCO. He emphasised that it is designed to enhance the capacity, financial discipline and growth potential of women-led micro and small enterprises through an integrated support framework. Tsuei added that the accelerator adopts a phased and performance-based approach, combining training, mentorship and financing.
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He said the business diagnosis phase will undergo financial literacy training, bookkeeping practices and business model analysis to strengthen operational foundations. They will also be equipped in capacity building in digital marketing, branding, market segmentation and business planning under the business empowerment phase.
“Selected participants will receive innovation development grants to test business expansion strategies for the validation phase. The acceleration phase has high-performing enterprises that may access financing through the Women Business Startups Microfinance Revolving Fund, subject to eligibility and approval,” said Tsuei.
“The programme is implemented in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO), which supports training delivery, post-training bookkeeping monitoring, and linkages to national platforms such as the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA).
The initiative also includes exposure visits, peer opportunities and public outreach to enhance visibility.
Project Manager Andy Chen and Project Specialist Jason Chang echoed the minister. They reiterated Taiwan ICDF’s commitment to assisting Emaswati through financial literacy and funding. Chen said they were ready to support participants that are serious and willing to do business. He also noted that resources were limited.
