BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MATSAPHA – Eswatini is placing inclusion at the centre of its youth empowerment drive, with the E432 million Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP) targeting 30 000 young Emaswati, at least half of whom will be women and five per cent young people with disabilities.
The five-year initiative, supported by the World Bank, targets young people aged between 18 and 35 who are not in education, employment or training, creating pathways through skills training, entrepreneurship support, apprenticeships and employment.
The project was presented to Chiefs and Tindvuna of the Manzini Region during a consultative engagement at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha on August 10, 2026, as Government prepares to roll out the initiative at chiefdom level.
Based on the 30 000 beneficiary target, the 50 per cent women allocation could see at least 15 000 young women benefiting from the project, while the five per cent allocation could benefit about 1 500 young people with disabilities.
Minister Dr Tambo Gina said the project was designed to unlock the potential of young people by giving them practical skills and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
“Our youth have the potential to transform this country and the economy,” Gina said.
“Through the EYEOP, we aim to equip these young people with the necessary skills, create opportunities, and give the support they need to earn sustainable livelihoods.”
The inclusion targets are expected to widen access to economic opportunities for young people who may face additional barriers to employment and income generation.
With women making up at least half of the beneficiaries, the project places young women at the centre of the national youth empowerment effort. The five per cent allocation for young people with disabilities is similarly intended to strengthen their participation in skills development, entrepreneurship, apprenticeships and employment.
EYEOP will provide opportunities through several interventions, including agriculture and agriculture-related activities. This component will be implemented through the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE).
The project will also offer employable skills through apprenticeships, while a National Social Registry will help improve the identification and targeting of vulnerable households and eligible young people.
Gina called on traditional leaders to play an active role in ensuring that eligible beneficiaries are reached within their communities.
“We therefore seek your support in facilitating community entry; helping us mobilise eligible youth, supporting the Social Registry process, and where appropriate, facilitating access to land for approved agricultural beneficiaries,” he said.
He assured Chiefs and Tindvuna that the project would be implemented according to principles of fairness and transparency.
“We remain committed to ensuring that participation is free, selection is fair and transparent, and that all activities are carried out in line with established protocols,” Gina said.
Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, welcomed the initiative and called on traditional authorities to ensure that unemployed young people at grassroots level are connected to EYEOP opportunities.
“Grassroots youth empowerment directly strengthens local governance and community development,” Dlamini said.
He urged traditional leaders across all Tinkhundla centres to actively support the mobilisation of eligible youth and facilitate the implementation of the project in their communities.
The focus on women and young people with disabilities reflects an effort to make youth empowerment broader and more accessible, ensuring that groups that have historically faced barriers to economic participation are included.
As the rollout moves into communities, traditional leadership and implementing partners will be expected to help identify eligible beneficiaries and ensure that opportunities are distributed fairly.
With 30 000 young people targeted nationwide, EYEOP represents a major investment in tackling youth unemployment while opening pathways for young Emaswati to acquire skills, secure employment and develop sustainable income-generating activities.
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