BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – More than 136 000 emaSwati remain unemployed despite increasing levels of educational attainment, according to findings contained in the 2025 Integrated Labour Force Survey (ILFS).
The survey shows that the country’s unemployed population stands at 136 487 people, comprising 66 889 men and 69 598 women.
One of the most striking findings is that unemployment is highest among people who have completed upper secondary education. The survey found that 37.7 per cent of unemployed people had reached upper secondary level, making it the largest category among the unemployed population.
Lower secondary education accounted for 26.7 per cent of unemployed people, while 17.0 per cent had only completed primary education.
The findings also reveal that unemployment is no longer confined to those with lower levels of education. A significant 14.1 per cent of unemployed people possess tertiary qualifications, suggesting that many graduates continue to struggle to find employment opportunities.
Among women, unemployment among tertiary graduates stood at 17.0 per cent compared to 11.0 per cent among men. Labour experts say this highlights the growing challenge of graduate unemployment and the mismatch between labour market needs and available skills.
Only 3.4 per cent of unemployed people reported having no schooling, indicating that unemployment increasingly affects educated individuals.
The findings come as government continues to pursue job creation initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people and graduates entering the labour market.
Analysts say the figures underscore the need for stronger links between education institutions and employers, as well as policies that stimulate private sector growth and entrepreneurship.
The 2025 ILFS notes that while education remains critical for improving employability, qualifications alone are no longer a guarantee of employment in an increasingly competitive labour market.
