BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE– “It does not cost you a lot to enter the entrepreneurship space.”
These words were shared by Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Board Chairperson, Phumelele Motsa, as he spoke on the commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Week and how Junior Achievement (JA) Eswatini launched the internationally celebrated week yesterday at the Metropolitan Church in Manzini.
In attendance of this event were representatives from companies such as the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC) and Centre for Financial Inclusion as mentioned on the JA Eswatini social media platforms (Facebook).
During an interview with the GEN board chairperson, he explained how there had been a bit of a challenge in the participation towards the Global Entrepreneurship Week over the years due to misplacement and COVID-19. He went on to mention that the initiative carried out by JA Eswatini was one way of trying to re- engineer and stimulate participation going into the future.
“As we launch the Global Entrepreneurship Week and keep participating in activities aimed towards it, we are trying to ensure that it has a meaningful impact. Basically what happens is that any organisation can engage in symposiums, seminars and motivation in commemoration of this week so we are also looking for those interested in celebrating in the different regions.
“I am aware that sometime during the week, SEDCO will be hosting an event,” said Motsa.
Asked how young minds could be encouraged to think globally and find ways of enlarging their territories as advised during the launch that took place yesterday, Motsa explained that there was benefit in affiliation and that one of the critical things in external markets with whatever service or good being produced was being a part of the commemoration and anything related to entrepreneurship.
“If you look at the different themes of the week which are policy, ecosystem, inclusion and education, they speak to all the other elements that are necessary in global participation. It is necessary that we understand all these aspects,” he said.
He further advised young people and the public at large to take advantage of the treaties that are in the country with regards to entrepreneurship and how the country has different signatories. Motsa also spoke about creating awareness to people who are meant to access these treaties and what they inform the public about.
