BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– Eswatini’s working-age population has grown to 809 194 people, according to findings contained in the 2025 Integrated Labour Force Survey (ILFS), highlighting both opportunities and challenges for the country’s labour market and economic development agenda.
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 a detailed snapshot of the country’s labour market situation.
According to the report, the working-age population, defined as persons aged 15 years and above, now stands at 809 194, comprising 378 432 males and 430 762 females.
Of this total, 407 312 people were classified as being in the labour force, representing 50.3 percent of the working-age population. The remaining 401 479 people, or 49.7 percent, were outside the labour force.
The findings show that among those participating in the labour market, 271 227 people were employed, accounting for 66.5 percent of the labour force. Meanwhile, 136 487 people were unemployed, resulting in a national unemployment rate of 33.5 percent.
The report further reveals that 36 709 employed people were classified as time-related underemployed, meaning they were working fewer hours than they desired and were available for additional work. This represents 13.5 percent of the employed population.
Labour experts say the figures illustrate the dual challenge facing Eswatini. While more than a quarter of a million people are employed, a significant number remain without jobs or are unable to secure sufficient working hours.
Regional Distribution
The survey indicates that the largest share of the working-age population resides in the Manzini Region, which accounts for 34 percent of the national total.
The Hhohho Region follows with 31.5 percent, while Lubombo accounts for 18.6 percent and Shiselweni for 15.9 percent.
The distribution mirrors broader population trends and highlights the importance of economic activity in Manzini and Hhohho as the country’s main commercial and administrative hubs.
Predominantly Rural Population
The survey also confirms that Eswatini remains largely rural.
According to the findings, 76.8 percent of the working-age population resides in rural areas, while only 23.2 percent lives in urban centres.
Among males, 75.8 percent live in rural communities, while the figure rises slightly to 77.7 percent among females.
The data suggests that employment creation strategies will need to focus strongly on rural economies, where the majority of potential workers are located.
Economists note that agriculture, forestry, small-scale enterprises and rural industrialisation initiatives could play a key role in generating employment opportunities closer to where most people live.
Potential Labour Force
The report also identifies a significant group classified as the potential labour force, consisting of 91 323 people who are not currently employed or actively seeking work but may be available for employment under the right conditions.
In addition, 211 553 people were classified as not seeking, not available or not willing to work, while 98 603 people fell under other categories outside the labour force.
Labour analysts say these groups represent untapped human capital that could contribute to economic growth if barriers to labour market participation are addressed.
Policy Implications
The findings come at a time when government and stakeholders are intensifying efforts to create jobs, improve skills development and stimulate entrepreneurship.
The survey provides critical evidence for policymakers seeking to design targeted interventions aimed at increasing labour force participation, reducing unemployment and improving productivity.
Officials say understanding where people live, their labour market status and the challenges they face is essential for developing effective employment programmes.
The ILFS remains one of Eswatini’s most important labour market monitoring tools, providing data that helps guide national planning and measure progress towards economic development goals.
With more than 809 000 working-age citizens, the survey underscores the importance of creating sustainable employment opportunities that can absorb the country’s growing labour force while unlocking the productive potential of its people.
