BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- The Republic of China (Taiwan) Eswatini Diplomatic Ally has intensified efforts to strengthen vocational skills development in Eswatini as part of growing cooperation aimed at preparing emaSwati youth for future employment opportunities and industrial growth.
The move comes as Taiwan continues assessing possible labour cooperation with Eswatini while prioritising technical and vocational training before any formal recruitment of workers.
Speaking during a media briefing in Taipei on Tuesday May 26,2026, Head of the Department of West Asian and African Affairs at Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yen Chia-liang, said Taiwanese authorities were currently working with the Workforce Development Agency to upgrade workforce training systems in Eswatini.
A delegation from Taiwan’s Workforce Development Agency is currently in the kingdom conducting assessments at vocational training centres and evaluating the country’s broader workforce development needs.
According to Taiwanese authorities, Eswatini is focusing on developing skills in critical sectors including manufacturing, tourism, energy and infrastructure development sectors viewed as key to unlocking economic growth and employment opportunities for young people.
The initiative is expected to improve the employability of emaSwati youth while positioning them for opportunities within Taiwanese businesses expected to operate at the planned Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park project in Eswatini.
Taiwan, which remains Eswatini’s diplomatic ally, has continued expanding cooperation with the kingdom through partnerships in vocational training, agriculture, health, ICT and education.
The latest development is being viewed as a major boost for the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector as authorities seek to equip young emaSwati with practical, internationally competitive and industry-relevant skills.
Taiwan has already supported several vocational development initiatives in Eswatini, including programmes aimed at strengthening qualifications in welding, solar energy, auto-electrics and other technical trades.
The cooperation is also expected to create a stronger skills pipeline for future industrial projects while empowering young people to compete in both local and international labour markets.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese authorities have clarified that discussions around worker recruitment between the two countries are still at an early stage.
This follows speculation that Taiwan had agreed to recruit 1 000 workers annually from Eswatini following a recent visit to the kingdom by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.
However, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the reports as misinformation, insisting that no formal labour recruitment agreement has been concluded.
Observers say the growing focus on vocational training and industrial skills development could play a significant role in tackling youth unemployment while opening future economic opportunities for emaSwati youth.
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(Courtesy Pic)
