- Programme offers regional exposure and professional experience in Botswana and Zambia
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Young emaSwati graduates and professionals have been encouraged to seize an opportunity to gain valuable regional experience through a paid internship programme being offered by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development’s SADC Unit announced that the SADC Secretariat is recruiting six interns and graduates under its Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme.
The programme, which will run for between three and 12 months, is designed to provide participants with practical workplace experience while exposing them to regional development initiatives and professional environments.
Successful applicants will be placed at the SADC Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, and the SADC Plant Genetic Resource Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.
Investing In Youth Development
The internship programme is aimed at equipping young people with practical skills, professional networks and regional exposure that can strengthen their future career prospects.
Government has consistently encouraged young people to take advantage of regional and international opportunities that promote skills development and employment readiness.
The initiative is expected to contribute towards youth empowerment by providing hands-on experience in key sectors that are critical to the region’s development.
Diverse Opportunities Available
The available positions cover a wide range of disciplines, allowing graduates from different academic backgrounds to apply.
The opportunities include:
- Communication and Public Relations – Media Production Graduate
- Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources – Environmental Science Graduate
- Gender – Gender Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Graduate
- Infrastructure – Cybersecurity Intern
- Procurement Ex-Ante Intern
- SADC Plant Genetic Resource Centre – Procurement and Administration Intern
The variety of placements reflects SADC’s commitment to developing talent across multiple sectors that support regional integration and economic growth.
Who Can Apply?
According to the eligibility criteria, applicants must be citizens of Eswatini and be under the age of 52 years.
Candidates must either be studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification or have already completed one from a recognised and accredited institution of higher learning.
Students seeking placement must provide proof that the Work Integrated Learning programme forms part of their academic studies and contributes towards their assessment requirements before graduation.
Graduates applying for the programme must have completed their qualifications at least one year before enrolling in the SADC WIL Programme.
Applicants must also have no criminal convictions.
Regional Exposure And Professional Growth
The programme offers participants an opportunity to work alongside professionals from across Southern Africa while gaining insight into how regional institutions operate.
Youth development advocates have welcomed the initiative, saying such opportunities help bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical skills required in the workplace.
The programme is also expected to enhance participants’ understanding of regional cooperation, policy implementation and development programmes within the SADC region.
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to submit a cover letter indicating their preferred internship stream, a copy of their national identity document, a curriculum vitae, and relevant academic documents.
Students must also submit a recommendation letter from their institution of higher learning.
Applications should be sent to:
sfmazibuko@gmail.com and lindekankwanyana32@gmail.com
The closing date for applications is June 22, 2026.
Young people across the country are being encouraged to apply and take advantage of what many view as a valuable stepping stone towards building successful professional careers while contributing to regional development.
