BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE ( Intern)
MBABANE – The Ministry of Education and Training has intensified efforts to align education and skills development with industry demands in a move aimed at reducing youth unemployment in Eswatini.
Speaking during a media briefing shared on the Ministry of Education and Training’s Facebook page, Eswatini Qualifications Authority (EQA) Executive Secretary Mboni Dlamini said one of the major causes of youth unemployment was the mismatch between the skills possessed by graduates and the expectations of employers. He explained that many graduates leave institutions of higher learning without the practical and market-relevant skills needed in today’s workplace.
Dlamini further noted that the mismatch also limits the ability of young people to establish sustainable businesses, as many lack entrepreneurial and technical competencies that respond to modern economic demands. He said the ministry was now prioritising reforms that would ensure graduates are equipped with skills that can create employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
The ministry is working closely with the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology through the European Union-funded Erasmus Project. The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between universities and industry while improving graduate employability and innovation.
As part of the programme, the institutions and their partners will host a networking event at the UNESWA Sports Emporium on May 27, 2026. The event is expected to bring together business leaders, policymakers, academics and students to discuss strategies for transforming education and skills development in Eswatini.
UNESWA Vice Chancellor Prof. Justice Thwala urged invited stakeholders to attend the event, saying partnerships between industry and academic institutions were essential in building a workforce that meets regional and global standards.
Limkokwing Campus Director Tfobile Gumedze also emphasised the importance of collaboration in producing graduates capable of serving not only Eswatini, but the entire SADC region and beyond.
@eswatini.positive
Youth unemployment remains one of Eswatini’s biggest socio-economic challenges, with many young graduates struggling to secure jobs despite holding qualifications. Experts believe stronger industry partnerships, entrepreneurship training and practical learning could help bridge the gap between education and employment.
#EducationReform #YouthEmployment #SkillsDevelopment #EswatiniNews
