By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MANZINI – The future clocked in on time this week as bright-eyed young minds took over the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre during the 2025 Manzini Region Career Expo.
From live poultry projects to jaw-dropping STEM displays, scholars came with purpose and power, while Senators and Members of Parliament leaned in, not just to observe, but to engage.
The expo, themed “Empowering Futures and Enhancing Diversity: Your Career, Your Choice, Building Youth Resilience Through 21st Century Skills and Sustainable Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth,” was more than a showcase, it was a statement.
The 2025 Eswatini National Career Expo officially kicked off on Tuesday, drawing thousands of eager young minds from across the Manzini Region.
According to organisers, the Career Expo has rapidly evolved since its 2022 launch. From just over 1 200 participants in its debut year, the number skyrocketed to over 20 000 in 2024, a sign of growing national interest and impact. And the results speak volumes: youth unemployment has dropped from 56% to 48.7%, as per the 2023 Labour Force Survey.
Manzini Ward 4 Councillor Xolani Masuku, speaking on behalf of His Worship the Mayor, Cllr. Wesley Dlamini, set the tone with powerful opening remarks.
“This is more than a gathering,” he declared. “It is a launchpad for dreams, built on resilience, innovation, and 21st-century skills. We all have a responsibility to give young people the tools they need to succeed.”
He added that the event’s success was driven by the strong partnership between government, the private sector, and civil society, all of whom have thrown their weight behind youth empowerment.
Inside the buzzing exhibition hall, ambition came alive. One standout was a scholar who confidently presented a poultry project, complete with live chicks, impressing lawmakers with their entrepreneurial flair. In another booth, a Manzini school pupil showcased a homemade laboratory experiment, earning nods from both Senators and MPs for innovation and critical thinking.
Senator Linda Nxumalo, who was among the dignitaries in attendance, praised the learners’ creativity and energy.
“I am impressed with the projects that were showcased here today,” she said. “It’s clear that the future is in good hands with these young minds. They have the talent, the creativity, and the passion to drive innovation and progress in our country.”
The event also saw government officials and private organisations guiding learners on career options, scholarship opportunities, and business development.
Exhibitors from across Eswatini made it a point to share real-world skills, including digital tools, green economy training, and entrepreneurship pathways.
As the curtains came down on the Manzini leg of the Expo, organisers confirmed that the next stop will be the Lubombo Region, where more learners, dreamers, and future leaders await their turn under the spotlight.
Because if Manzini proved anything this week, it’s that when young people are given the mic, they don’t just speak, they shine.
