FNB Eswatini is reviving its interest-free loan programme for youth-owned businesses and start-ups, offering financing of up to E50 000 to expand access to capital.
FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini announced the revival of the Khutsala Employment Activation Programme (KEAP) during the 2026 EYA gala dinner on Wednesday.
The programme, implemented through the FNB Eswatini Foundation, is designed to support youth-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups across all sectors through interest-free loans of up to E50 000.
Dlamini said the initiative formed part of the bank’s broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for young people to establish and grow sustainable businesses.
“We believe this programme will help our evidently talented young people start and grow sustainable businesses that will contribute meaningfully to Eswatini’s long-term growth,” he said.
The announcement came as FNB outlined its expanded support for the EYA programme, increasing its sponsorship package through FNB Eswatini and the FNB Eswatini Foundation to E2 million in 2026.
A key component of the enhanced package was the introduction of FNB SME Growth Forums, delivered in partnership with the ministry of commerce, industry and trade and the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO). Dlamini said the forums provided an opportunity to hear directly from entrepreneurs about the challenges affecting their businesses, enabling the bank to develop more responsive financial solutions.
He emphasised that business support needed to be practical and accessible, with interventions that deliver tangible benefits to entrepreneurs.
Dlamini also reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to Eswatini, acknowledging the role of His Majesty in creating an environment in which businesses could operate and grow.
“As FNB we still promise Your Majesty that we are here in Eswatini to stay and we are not going anywhere,” he said.
