- UNDP assures support for initiative aimed at connecting young people to opportunities, skills and entrepreneurship
BY MBONO MDLULI
MANZINI – Eswatini has taken another significant step towards empowering young people and unlocking their potential following the validation of the Youth Connekt Eswatini Framework, a platform designed to connect youth to opportunities, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.
Speaking during the Youth Connekt Eswatini Framework Validation Workshop held at the George Hotel in Manzini, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative Nessie Golakai-Gould described the workshop as an important milestone in the country’s journey towards establishing a fully-fledged Youth Connekt Chapter.
Addressing government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, youth representatives and members of the private sector, Golakai-Gould said the workshop marked the culmination of a process that began gaining momentum in November 2024.
She conveyed apologies on behalf of the UNDP Resident Representative, who was unable to attend due to other official commitments, before highlighting the progress that has been made in bringing the initiative to fruition.
Journey Began in Rwanda
Golakai-Gould noted that in November 2024, the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs and the UNDP Resident Representative led a delegation to the Youth Connekt Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
The delegation included representatives from the Eswatini National Youth Council, Eswatini Youth Revolving Fund, the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, as well as youth representatives.
According to Golakai-Gould, the mission provided an opportunity for Eswatini to engage directly with the Youth Connekt Africa Hub and learn from countries already implementing the initiative, including Rwanda, The Gambia and Lesotho.
“The summit provided an important platform to exchange experiences, learn best practices and explore how Youth Connekt could be adapted to the realities and aspirations of young people in Eswatini,” she said.
She added that the validation workshop was also the result of extensive consultations with local stakeholders over the past several months.
UNDP recently facilitated a visit by the Youth Connekt Focal Point from The Gambia, who met with various stakeholders and government leaders, including the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, ahead of the validation process.
Tackling Youth Unemployment
Golakai-Gould said Youth Connekt Eswatini was being established at a time when youth empowerment and employment creation remain national priorities.
She noted that youth unemployment continues to affect a significant portion of young people, limiting their ability to contribute fully to the country’s economic growth.
“Youth Connekt seeks to address barriers that young people face, including limited access to finance, markets, mentorship and professional networks,” she said.
The initiative will connect young people to skills development opportunities, entrepreneurship support programmes, innovation ecosystems and financing opportunities that can help them build sustainable livelihoods.
She explained that the platform is designed to complement existing government programmes and strengthen coordination among stakeholders already working in youth development.
Building Strong Partnerships
Golakai-Gould emphasised that the success of Youth Connekt Eswatini would depend on strong partnerships across sectors.
She highlighted the critical role of government leadership in driving the initiative while acknowledging the collaboration between UNDP and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in supporting youth development programmes.
“The private sector also has a crucial role to play in creating jobs, supporting innovation and providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs,” she said.
She added that development partners would continue providing technical expertise and catalytic support to help ensure the initiative’s success.
Most importantly, she stressed that young people themselves must remain active partners in the design, implementation and monitoring of the programme.
Giving Youth a Voice
A key objective of the validation workshop was to ensure that youth voices remain at the centre of the framework.
Participants were invited to review the proposed framework, identify gaps and opportunities, and contribute recommendations that will strengthen implementation.
Golakai-Gould encouraged stakeholders to engage openly and constructively during the validation process to ensure the framework reflects the realities, needs and aspirations of young people across the country.
“This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to build ownership of the initiative and help shape a platform that will serve future generations,” she said.
UNDP Reaffirms Commitment
The UNDP Deputy Resident Representative reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Government of Eswatini in establishing and implementing Youth Connekt Eswatini.
She said UNDP would continue supporting knowledge exchange, partnership development and resource mobilisation efforts aimed at creating opportunities for young people.
Golakai-Gould urged stakeholders to take full advantage of the initiative as a platform for unlocking the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial potential of Eswatini’s youth.
“Together, we have an opportunity to shape opportunities for future generations and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for young people in Eswatini,” she said.
The validation workshop is expected to pave the way for the official launch and implementation of the Youth Connekt Eswatini Framework, positioning the Kingdom to join the growing Youth Connekt Africa movement that is transforming youth development across the continent.
