BY NOKWANDA DLAMINI (INTERN)
MBABANE – Government has taken another step towards strengthening workforce development and enhancing skills training through the launch of a two-day National Skills Training Levy Stakeholder Consultative Workshop. The initiative seeks to explore sustainable funding mechanisms that will support skills development and prepare emaSwati for the evolving demands of the labour market.
The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, brings together representatives from government, employers’ and workers’ organisations, higher education institutions, development partners and the private sector. Discussions are focused on the possible introduction of a National Skills Training Levy, aimed at improving workforce readiness, aligning training programmes with industry needs and strengthening the country’s human capital base.
Opening the workshop on Wednesday, Principal Secretary Makhosini Mndawe highlighted the critical role of skills development in driving economic growth and improving productivity. He said investing in practical, industry-relevant skills remains essential to ensuring that citizens are equipped to seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world of work.
Mndawe explained that the proposed levy forms part of broader national efforts to create a stronger and more responsive skills development system. Such a framework, he noted, would support continuous training and skills upgrading, while enhancing the country’s competitiveness and ability to attract investment.
He further stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, noting that inclusive consultations are key to designing a model that effectively serves employers, workers and training institutions.
Participants are expected to share experiences, examine successful skills levy models and contribute recommendations that will guide future policy decisions. The discussions will also explore practical and transparent approaches to addressing skills gaps and ensuring that education outcomes are closely aligned with labour market needs.
Government anticipates that the outcomes of the workshop will contribute to the development of a highly skilled, adaptable and competitive workforce capable of supporting Eswatini’s long-term economic growth and sustainable development aspirations.
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