BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– The European Union (EU)’s Erasmus+ Programme acts as a direct response to Eswatini’s 56 percent youth unemployment rate.
This is according to Schools Manager at the Ministry of Education and Training, Lungelo Nhlengetfwa.
He made this disclosure at the Mountain View on Thursday, February 12, 2026, during a workshop for an Erasmus+ Information Session.
He said the Erasmus+ Information Session, had a specific focus on Capacity Building in the field of Youth.
Nhlengetfwa explained that Erasmus+ is the EU’s flagship programme for education, training, youth, and sport.
“It goes beyond mobility by promoting international cooperation, skills development, innovation, and institutional strengthening. For Eswatini, Erasmus+ presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen youth systems, enhance skills development, and expand international partnerships that directly respond to national development priorities,” he said.
Nhlengetfwa added that the session was taking place at a time when Eswatini is facing a critical challenge of youth unemployment.
“According to the Integrated Labour Force Survey 2023, the youth unemployment rate for young people aged 15 to 24 stands at 56 percent. This statistic is not just a number; it reflects the lived reality of many young people who struggle to transition from education into meaningful employment and economic participation,” he said.
He highlighted that it was within this context that Capacity Building in Youth under Erasmus+ becomes particularly relevant and timely. The programme supports multilateral partnerships between organisations in Europe and partner countries such as Eswatini, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, skills development,employability,entrepreneurship, and active participation in society.
Through Capacity Building in Youth, youthorganisations are strengthened to:
* Equip young people with relevant skills and competencies
* Improve employability and entrepreneurship opportunities
* Promote innovation, leadership, and civic engagement
* Ensure the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities
By strengthening youth organisations and expanding international cooperation, Erasmus+ contributes meaningfully to addressing the root causes of youth unemployment, while empowering young people to become active contributors to socio-economic development according to Nhlengetfwa.
“This information session therefore provides an important platform to build awareness, enhance understanding, and encourage active participation in Erasmus+ opportunities. I urge all participants to engage fully, explore partnerships, and consider how these opportunities can be translated into practical, impactful interventions for our young people,” he said.
The schools manager thanked the EU, partners, and all stakeholders for their continued collaboration with the Government of Eswatini. Their support, he said, played a vital role in strengthening youth development, skills acquisition, and international cooperation.
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