Beyond captivating storytelling and impactful delivery, the judges meticulously evaluated each pitch based on strategic planning and long-term vision. More than personal aspirations, the contestants recognized the iHub as a game-changer for the Pigg’s Peak community.
TEN IT entrepreneurs battled it out last week in a nail-biting pitch session to win the coveted opportunity to run the iHub Centre at SEDCO’S Piggs Peak Estate. This initiative, born from a partnership between the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCOM), and UNDP, aims to establish and operate ICT Hubs across the country, fostering innovation and digital transformation.
The esteemed adjudicating panel comprised experts from ESCCOM, UNDP, Eswatini Bank, Junior Achievement (JA), and Limkokwing University, ready to be captivated by the contenders’ ideas.
Among them, Siyabonga Dlamini of Lourie Technologies exuded confidence, drawing on his proven IT expertise. Sandile Siphepho of Superior Sabolanga Investments expressed his gratitude for the platform, highlighting the potential for wider reach and business growth.
ICT hubs play a crucial role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. These hubs serve as centralized spaces equipped with technology infrastructure, training resources, and collaborative workspaces, empowering individuals and businesses to harness the power of information and communication technologies (ICT).
Beyond captivating storytelling and impactful delivery, the judges meticulously evaluated each pitch based on strategic planning and long-term vision. More than personal aspirations, the contestants recognized the iHub as a game-changer for the Pigg’s Peak community.
Access to cutting-edge IT tools, coupled with expert business training, promises to revitalize the area by providing vital services and generating employment opportunities.
Moreover, ICT hubs provide reliable and affordable internet access which is essential for online activities, research, and communication. It also provides professional workspaces fostering interaction and teamwork, and access to advanced equipment like 3D printers, software platforms, and digital tools. Hubs often connect budding entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and offer training programs to build digital skills.
The Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) is a public enterprise that is wholly owned by the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini. SEDCO exists as a legal persona that was established in 1970 under the Companies Act No.7 of 1912 as a limited company and is a category “A” public enterprise under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade.
SEDCO is an organization established to create, develop, and promote Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Kingdom of Eswatini. We exist primarily to stimulate homegrown entrepreneurship with sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship development and growth.
To date, MSME development features prominently in the country’s strategy for economic development as articulated by the National Development Strategy (NDS), the Strategic Road Map for Economic Recovery, and the MSME Policy 2018.