Small Enterprises Development Company

The Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) stands as a cornerstone of entrepreneurial growth in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Operating as a category “A” public enterprise under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, SEDCO has a clear mandate: to develop, create, and promote Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the nation. From its head office on Mshengu Road in Mbabane, the organization provides structured, practical support that helps businesses move from concept to commercial success.

SEDCO’s approach is built on a foundation of capacity building, legal guidance, and market access. Whether an entrepreneur needs assistance drafting a business plan, securing a trading license, or connecting with regional trade exhibitions, the team at SEDCO delivers hands-on, actionable solutions. The organization exists as a legal persona established in 1970, giving it decades of institutional knowledge and deep roots within the Hhohho District and beyond.

Capacity Development and Sector Support

At the heart of SEDCO’s work is a comprehensive suite of capacity development services designed to strengthen the skills and resilience of local business owners. The team understands that sustainable growth depends on more than just capital—it requires knowledge, mentorship, and ongoing technical support.

Entrepreneurs can access practical training programs that cover everything from basic business principles to advanced strategic planning. These sessions are tailored to the realities of operating in Eswatini, addressing challenges such as market entry, financial management, and operational efficiency. SEDCO’s business counsellors work one-on-one with clients to refine business concepts, develop roadmaps, and identify growth opportunities.

Entrepreneurship Training and Business Plan Development

Training is a cornerstone of SEDCO’s capacity building efforts. The organization has delivered results that speak for themselves, contributing to the creation of over 325 business plans and engaging more than 12,000 participants. These programs equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the tools to build viable enterprises from the ground up.

Business plan development is offered as a structured service, helping companies clarify their value proposition, financial projections, and operational strategies. This hands-on support is critical for accessing financing, attracting partners, and guiding early-stage decision-making. Every plan is crafted to reflect the unique goals and market context of the individual business.

Business Incubation and Workspace Provision

Moving from a business idea to a functioning enterprise often requires a physical and operational foundation. SEDCO’s Business Incubation Programme bridges this gap by providing workspace, coaching, and shared services that lower the barriers to entry for new ventures.

Incubatees gain access to dedicated workspaces within the SEDCO Estates, creating an environment where collaboration and peer learning thrive. The programme has supported over 815 incubatees, pairing them with experienced mentors who provide business coaching, technical advice, and strategic guidance. This wraparound support helps young companies stabilize, scale, and build the operational muscle needed to compete in local and regional markets.

Coaching, Mentoring, and Business Linkages

Beyond physical space, the incubation programme emphasizes the human side of enterprise development. Regular coaching sessions help entrepreneurs navigate challenges ranging from cash flow management to marketing tactics. The mentoring component connects incubatees with seasoned business leaders who offer sector-specific insights and accountability.

Business linkages are another vital piece of the puzzle. SEDCO actively facilitates connections between MSMEs and larger corporations, government agencies, and supply chains. These linkages open doors to new contracts, distribution channels, and strategic partnerships that accelerate growth far faster than isolated effort could achieve.

Legal Consultation and Advisory Services

Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape can be one of the most daunting aspects of running a business. SEDCO’s Legal Consultation and Advisory unit demystifies this process, offering practical support with company registration, licensing, and statutory compliance.

The team assists entrepreneurs with the facilitation of trading licences and renewals, ensuring businesses remain in good standing with government authorities. They also handle the lodgement of critical documents such as Forms C and J, as well as share certificates. This administrative backbone allows business owners to focus on their core operations rather than getting bogged down in paperwork.

Company Registration and Compliance Support

For new ventures, the journey begins with formal registration. SEDCO guides clients through the process of establishing a legal entity under the Companies Act, helping them select the appropriate structure and complete all necessary filings. This service reduces delays, prevents costly errors, and sets the foundation for transparent, compliant operations.

Ongoing compliance support is equally important. The advisory team keeps businesses informed of regulatory changes, assists with annual returns, and provides guidance on labour law, tax obligations, and sector-specific licensing requirements. This proactive approach minimizes legal risks and builds a culture of good governance from day one.

Market Facilitation and Trade Promotion

Access to markets is often the single biggest obstacle facing small enterprises. SEDCO tackles this head-on through a targeted market facilitation programme that connects Eswatini’s MSMEs with opportunities both domestically and internationally.

One key intervention is facilitating participation in local and regional trade exhibitions. These events give businesses a platform to showcase products, meet potential buyers, and study competitors. SEDCO also organizes business-sharing seminars where entrepreneurs exchange experiences, learn from case studies, and forge collaborative relationships that extend beyond the event itself.

The organization goes further by actively marketing MSME products and services locally and internationally. This promotional support can include everything from digital catalogues to buyer-seller matchmaking, helping businesses in sectors such as agribusiness, handicrafts, and light manufacturing find their niche in larger value chains.

Serving Eswatini’s Entrepreneurs from Mbabane

Everything SEDCO does is anchored in a deep commitment to the Kingdom of Eswatini. From the head office at the Mbabane Government Stores Road Industrial Site, the team serves entrepreneurs across the Hhohho District and the entire country. The working hours from 8 AM to 4:45 PM, Monday to Friday, are structured to be accessible to businesspeople managing their own demanding schedules.

Visitors to the office find a professional environment where staff are ready to answer queries, schedule consultations, and connect them with the right services. The location in the capital city places SEDCO at the center of government, finance, and commerce, making it a convenient hub for the MSME community. Phone support is available at +268 2404 2811/2, and the team actively monitors the email channel at business@sedco.co.sz and even WhatsApp at 76110445.

Whether an entrepreneur is taking the first step with a business idea or looking to expand an established enterprise, SEDCO provides a structured pathway forward. The combination of capacity development, incubation, legal services, and market facilitation creates an ecosystem where small businesses can survive and thrive. With a track record of empowering more than 900 entrepreneurs and building thousands of business plans, the organization remains a vital partner for economic growth in Eswatini.