Mbabane, Eswatini – A new partnership between the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) DREAMS initiative and the Technical Mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Eswatini is empowering young women in the kingdom.
Forty exceptional young women, selected by USAID DREAMS partner Young Heroes, have completed business and mentoring skills training through SEDCO, a small enterprises development company. This equips them to launch and grow their own businesses.
Each trained woman will mentor at least one beneficiary, creating a ripple effect of entrepreneurial knowledge and empowerment. These young entrepreneurs will also have the chance to apply for small business loans of up to E25,000 through the newly established Taiwan ICDF Micro Loan Revolving Fund (Kuyenteka).
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to a healthy and prosperous future for Emaswati,” said Chris Detwiler, USAID Country Director. “It also highlights our support for the Eswatini government in tackling youth unemployment. We are stronger together, and collaboration across sectors is key to success.”