- ENYC says initiative will connect young people to jobs, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation opportunities
BY MBONO MDLULI
MANZINI – Eswatini has moved a step closer to fully establishing its Youth Connekt Chapter, a continental initiative aimed at connecting young people to economic opportunities, skills development, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.
This was revealed by Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC) Chief Executive Officer Lwazi Mamba during the Stakeholder Validation Workshop for Youth Connekt Eswatini held at the George Hotel in Manzini on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Addressing government officials, development partners, youth organisations, private sector representatives and civil society organisations, Mamba described the workshop as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to empower young people and strengthen their contribution to national development.
“The primary purpose of this workshop is to validate and finalise the strategic framework for Youth Connekt Eswatini, ensuring it aligns with our national priorities and the aspirations of our young people,” the CEO said.
He added that the initiative represents a collaborative effort that requires the commitment and support of all stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.
Continental Initiative Driving Youth Development
The CEO explained that Youth Connekt Africa is a Pan-African platform established in 2012 by the Government of Rwanda in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Since its inception, the initiative has grown into one of Africa’s leading youth empowerment platforms, with chapters in 39 countries across the continent, including Eswatini.
The platform’s secretariat is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and focuses on three core pillars: policy, programmes and partnerships.
Its agenda supports youth employment and entrepreneurship, education and skills development, civic participation and leadership, gender equality, technology and innovation.
According to Mamba, Youth Connekt Africa provides a structured approach for countries to address youth development challenges while creating opportunities for young people to actively participate in economic and social transformation.
Harnessing Eswatini’s Demographic Dividend
The CEO said Youth Connekt Eswatini arrives at a critical time for the country as it seeks to harness the potential of its youthful population.
“For Eswatini, Youth Connekt Africa presents a unique opportunity to harness our demographic dividend,” Mamba said.
He noted that with a large percentage of the country’s population being young, there is an urgent need to address youth unemployment, strengthen youth participation in leadership and governance, and promote gender equality.
The initiative is expected to create pathways that enable young people to become active contributors to the national economy while improving their livelihoods and future prospects.
Six Years of Engagement Pays Off
The CEO revealed that Eswatini’s journey towards joining the Youth Connekt movement has been several years in the making.
Over the past six years, the country has consistently participated in annual Youth Connekt Africa Summits with support from UNDP and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
A major breakthrough came in 2024 when the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs led a national delegation to Rwanda, where consultations were held with Youth Connekt stakeholders and National Youth Councils from other participating countries.
Following the mission, a Cabinet paper was presented and approval was granted for the establishment of the Youth Connekt Eswatini Chapter.
The country’s membership application was subsequently accepted in August 2025.
“Since then, the ENYC has mobilised resources with UNDP’s support to engage a consultant, culminating in today’s workshop,” the CEO said.
He noted that extensive consultations have been undertaken with stakeholders across various sectors to ensure that the framework reflects the needs and aspirations of young people in Eswatini.
The process also benefited from technical support and lessons shared by the National Youth Council of The Gambia and its Youth Connekt Focal Point.
Framework Focuses on Opportunities and Innovation
Mamba outlined several objectives that emerged during consultations with stakeholders.
Among them are improving access to economic opportunities for young people, promoting skills development and digital competence, enhancing entrepreneurship through targeted support programmes, strengthening youth leadership and governance, and improving institutional coordination for sustainable implementation.
He said the framework is designed to respond directly to the challenges and opportunities facing young people in a rapidly changing global economy.
“These objectives reflect the aspirations of our youth and provide a roadmap for ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills, resources and opportunities they need to succeed,” he said.
Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Mamba reaffirmed ENYC’s commitment to championing the implementation of Youth Connekt Eswatini and ensuring that young people remain at the centre of national development efforts.
“We are dedicated to creating an environment where young people can realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to UNDP for its continued support throughout the process and commended the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs for its commitment to youth empowerment.
The CEO also thanked all stakeholders who participated in the consultations and validation process, describing their contributions as critical to the success of the initiative.
“Together, let us build a brighter future for and with our young people,” he concluded.
Once implemented, Youth Connekt Eswatini is expected to serve as a national platform that connects young people to opportunities, strengthens partnerships among stakeholders and accelerates youth-led development across the Kingdom.
