BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI – Young people in Eswatini are being given an opportunity to expand their networks beyond the country through YouthConnekt, with applications now open for the YouthConnekt Africa Summit scheduled for young people aged 18 to 35.
The call targets youth entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, young leaders in governance and young people involved in social change. The initiative, which originated in Rwanda, has expanded across the continent and now includes Eswatini as one of 39 participating countries.
The summit seeks to connect young people with networks, partners and opportunities that can support the growth of their ideas, businesses and social initiatives across borders.
Applications are open to young people working in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation and digital solutions, green economy and climate action, creative industries and culture, social impact, leadership and governance. The deadline for applications is 23 September 2026.
Speaking during a YouthConnekt meeting, founder and owner of Waffle Palace, Ndaya Lukoji, said participating in the initiative could help local entrepreneurs gain exposure to opportunities outside Eswatini.
Ndaya, whose business specialises in sweet and savoury waffles, said she had recently expanded into manufacturing through the EIA programme. “For me personally, I think that for my business it would help in terms of accessing opportunities,” she said.
She said she was particularly interested in connecting with other young people across Africa and learning about opportunities available beyond the local market.
“I would like to connect with other youths around the African continent and see what opportunities lie, not just within Eswatini, but also opportunities that exist outside of Eswatini,” Ndaya said.
She said stronger connections among young people could contribute to entrepreneurship, innovation and development while creating opportunities to address youth unemployment.
YouthConnekt also seeks to improve young people’s access to information by connecting them with opportunities, networks and platforms where they can exchange knowledge and experiences.
With Eswatini now part of the continental network, local youth entrepreneurs and innovators can participate in a platform designed to facilitate connections with peers, organisations and potential partners from other African countries.
The YouthConnekt Africa Summit application campaign in Eswatini is supported by the Eswatini National Youth Council, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund and the Government of Eswatini.
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