BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Women make up the majority of Eswatini’s working-age population, while more than half of economically active citizens have attained secondary education, according to findings from the 2025 Integrated Labour Force Survey (ILFS).
The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the National Employment Statistics Unit in collaboration with the Central Statistics Office (CSO), provides detailed insights into the composition of the country’s working-age population by age, sex and educational attainment.
According to the findings, Eswatini’s working-age population – defined as persons aged 15 years and above – stands at 809 194. Of this number, 430 762 (53.2 percent) are women, while 378 432 (46.8 percent) are men.
The data shows that women continue to constitute the majority of the working-age population across almost all age groups, reflecting their significant presence in the country’s labour market.
Young People Form a Significant Share
The survey further reveals that the country continues to have a youthful population.
People aged 15 to 34 years account for a substantial portion of the working-age population. The largest share is recorded among those aged 15 to 19 years, who make up 14.9 percent of the total working-age population.
Those aged 20 to 24 years represent 12.1 percent, while the 25 to 29-year age group accounts for 11.5 percent. Citizens aged 30 to 34 years make up 11.1 percent.
Together, these age groups highlight the importance of youth-focused employment creation, skills development and entrepreneurship programmes as key drivers of inclusive economic growth.
At the other end of the spectrum, persons aged 65 years and above represent 8.8 percent of the working-age population, indicating that a notable number of older citizens remain economically active.
Secondary Education Most Common
Education remains one of the most important factors influencing employment opportunities and economic participation.
The survey shows that the majority of Eswatini’s working-age population has attained some form of secondary education.
Individuals who completed upper secondary education constitute the largest group at 29 percent, followed by those with lower secondary education at 25.6 percent.
Those with primary education account for 21.6 percent of the working-age population, while citizens with tertiary education represent 15.9 percent.
The findings indicate that more than half of Eswatini’s working-age population has reached at least secondary school level, a development that is expected to strengthen the country’s human capital base and improve prospects for economic growth.
Experts note that higher levels of education are generally associated with improved productivity, innovation and better employment outcomes.
Need for Continued Education Investment
Despite the positive trends, the survey also highlights educational gaps that still need to be addressed.
According to the report, 6.3 percent of the working-age population has no schooling, while only 0.1 percent has attained only early childhood education.
Vocational education accounts for 1 percent of the working-age population, suggesting opportunities for further expansion of technical and vocational training programmes to equip citizens with practical skills needed by the labour market.
Labour and education specialists say the findings underscore the importance of continued investment in education at all levels, particularly in technical skills, vocational training and tertiary education.
They argue that strengthening educational attainment will help improve employability, support entrepreneurship and increase the competitiveness of Eswatini’s workforce in an increasingly knowledge-driven economy.
Supporting National Development
The survey findings are expected to play an important role in informing government policy, labour market interventions and development planning.
By providing a clearer picture of the age structure and educational profile of the country’s working-age population, the report offers valuable evidence for designing programmes aimed at creating jobs, improving skills and promoting economic inclusion.
With more than 809 000 people of working age and a growing number possessing secondary and tertiary qualifications, Eswatini continues to build a human resource base capable of contributing meaningfully to national development and economic transformation.
