Published By: Swazi Observer
Date: 10 December 2007
By: Phila Dlamini
TECHNOSERVE Country Director Leslie Johnston said her organization will always be in Swaziland, and that will depend on whether the service they offer is still needed.
And that is unearthing and developing entrepreneurs, who will in turn, develop the SME sector.
“It may sound odd to say, but we would prefer Believe Begin Become (BBB) not to be here at all, I believe it is important to stress precisely why the competition is here and what it aims to achieve.
expectancy
“Put simply, our aim is poverty alleviation and wealth creation through the establishment of successful and sustainable SMEs.
“When we see 40 percent of the population dependant on food aid, declines in population and life expectancy, mass unemployment, inflation approaching 10 percent, one of the lowest GDPs in Africa and a severely constrained business-start-up environment, we recognise the role for BBB,” Johnston stated.
“And when the day comes that we are no longer needed, we hope to leave behind a group of Swazis equipped to drive a healthy SME sector forward.
She added that BBB was now more than a business plans competition, “it is in fact a rigorous training Programme for entrepreneurs.”
Johnston expressed her support to the United States Government for supporting BBB through the United States Agency for International development (USAID).
Further, she revealed that the winners from the last competition were already making a contribution to the economy.
generated
“We are pleased to announce that through the period, January through June 2007, these entrepreneurs generated E4.9 M ($700 000) in revenues, paid E371 000 ($53 000) to 112 employees and secured E 1.4 M ($210 000) in new finance,” said Johnston.
Also speaking at the BBB final awards United States Ambassador to Swaziland, Maurice Parker, who said BBB had to create many jobs in the country, which in turn would get support from the Africa Growth and Opportunities act, commonly known as AGOA. Also, he announced that his government is supporting another initiative, which seeks to empower local businesses.
“We are supporting a regional trade hub, based in Botswana, which aims to help Swazi companies increase its trade with neighbouring countries capitalise upon trade opportunities, and assess governments to create a climate to enable businesses to flourish,” Ambassador Parker said.
On another note, he expressed his impressions on inaugural winner of the BBB competition Phila Msibi with is determination to see his business succeed. “As the representative of the United States government in Swaziland, I am proud to support the programme.”
