BY SETHABILE MYENI
MBABANE – The Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), together with Standard Bank, has announced 10 companies as winners in the Ematfuba Ami Program.
The organization revealed on their Facebook page that they have done the awarding of young innovative entrepreneurs with seed capital for coming up with innovative business solutions.
Senzo Malaza, Communications Officer, disclosed that they selected the 10 winners from 56 applications that participated in the program.
“We were looking for qualities like understanding of the business, if the business was bankable, viable, sustainable, potential to grow and most importantly the innovation. For example, some made bricks and pavers out of plastic”, he said.
Malaza also thanked Standard Bank for funding and availing their own facilities to support businesses. He also thanked all the stakeholders who supported the initiative.
“We would also like to thank our Ministry of ICT and recognize the fact that they started this program. It was launched by former Minister of ICT Princess Skhanyiso in 2021”, said Malaza.
He added that this was their third edition.
It is said that the Ematfuba Ami Program focuses on college and university students and it aspires to increase student – led innovation and entrepreneurship and increase the readiness of businesses among the youth also contributing to the employment generation and economic growth.
The businesses that were awarded the seed capital include; Talksy, Healthy Tale Food Service (Elite), Advanced Software Solution, Lourie Technologies, Eco – Handy, Forever Fragrances (Skye), Pay Scan, Modern Automation and Leolife.
Half of these businesses are female-owned and the other five by males.
(Pics: Royal Science and Technology Park)
