BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the Field of Youth (CBY) programme is poised to play a vital role in strengthening Eswatini’s youth sector by promoting international cooperation, innovation, and empowerment of young people.
This was revealed late this week during an Erasmus+ information session held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane, where stakeholders from the youth and education sector gathered to learn more about the funding opportunities available under the 2026 call.
The initiative connects youth organisations and public institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union, creating opportunities for skills development, leadership growth, and social inclusion through structured youth exchanges and participation activities.
For the 2026 funding cycle, the European Union has made available €19.4 million to support youth-driven projects across eligible African countries, including Eswatini. Successful proposals can access grants of up to €450 000, enabling organisations to expand programmes that enhance youth employability, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and civic participation.
The programme prioritises projects that support youth empowerment and leadership, inclusion of disadvantaged young people, democracy and active citizenship, environmental sustainability, and the development of digital and entrepreneurial skills.
By encouraging partnerships between African and European institutions, Erasmus+ helps young people gain international exposure, exchange knowledge, and return with new expertise that strengthens local communities and institutions.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
The programme is open to NGOs working in the field of youth and public bodies at local, regional, or national level.
Organisations from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Eswatini, may participate as partners, while project coordinators must be legally established in the European Union or Erasmus+ associated countries.
Each application must be submitted by a consortium of at least four organisations, including:
At least two partners from different eligible African countries within the same region
At least one partner from an EU Member State or associated country
Cross-regional partnerships are not allowed.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are submitted through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.
Interested organisations must ensure that all mandatory activities such as Youth Exchanges and Youth Participation Activities are clearly outlined in the proposal.
The deadline for the 2026 call is 26 February 2026 at 17:00 (Brussels time).
The Erasmus+ programme continues to provide meaningful opportunities for Eswatini’s youth organisations to expand their reach, build capacity, and contribute to the country’s socio-economic and human development.
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