The launch of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Swaziland was applauded by Jabulile Mashwama, the country’s current Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade.

‘It is very pleasing that in 2009 Swaziland joins the world in embracing the Global Entrepreneurship Week’, she said, ‘and we applaud TechnoServe as the official host organisation responsible for coordinating the week’s activities in the country’. She noted that the objectives of the initiative – which are to inspire, connect, mentor and engage – were to be achieved through students, educators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, government officials and members of the public participating in a range of activities, from online forums to large scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings.

‘If we get these objectives right this week, then we’re definitely headed in the right direction. I note with interest that the activities that will be held throughout the week are widespread and cover schools, a college, university, youth centre, to name a few. I personally aim to attend some of these and look forward to the stimulation they will bring to the economic activity of the country.’ Mashwama also added that GEW will make a positive impact on the country’s economy as it should inspire young people and change their mindsets from those of job seekers to job creators.

Entrepreneur of the Year (EYA), current and former winners as well as some Business Woman of the Year Award holders will be making presentations to some young people further in the week. Additionally, TechnoServe Programme Manager Entrepreneurship Nicholas Vilelle invited business people to a ‘Networking Happy Hour’ to be hosted on Friday, ‘an exciting event where entrepreneurs, both established and aspiring will get a chance to network and share ideas.’