By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – The doors of opportunity are swinging wide open for young graduates in Eswatini, and this time, it’s not a drill.
The 2025 intake for the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) has officially been launched, sending waves of excitement across the country’s youth circles.
The call is open to unemployed graduates under the age of 35 who are eager to gain real-world work experience and kickstart their careers with purpose.
The announcement was made by UNDP Eswatini via social media, with a clear message: “The wait is over!” The initiative, funded by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC).
This highly anticipated internship programme is being hailed as a “golden ticket” for Swazi youth to enter the job market equipped with practical skills and boosted confidence.
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Programme Analyst Mavie Thwala confirmed the news and encouraged young people to seize the moment.
“This is an incredible opportunity for graduates to gain hands-on experience, develop professionally, and increase their employability,” Thwala said.
He urged all eligible young people to apply before the deadline of June 11, 2025, by visiting eyep.org.sz.
Since its inception, the EYEP has positioned itself as a game-changer in addressing youth unemployment in Eswatini. With youth unemployment hovering at worrying levels, the programme aims to close the gap between education and employment by providing graduates with workplace exposure, mentorship, and a clearer sense of career direction.
Thwala added that the programme is not just about placement, but also about building confidence and purpose among the youth. “Many young people leave university with degrees but no direction. EYEP changes that,” he said.
Past participants of the programme have gone on to secure full-time jobs, launch their own ventures, or further their studies with a stronger sense of what they want.
The internship placements cover various sectors, from public service and private industry to NGOs and start-ups, matching graduates with host institutions that align with their career interests.
Applications are done strictly online, and the organisers are encouraging early submissions. Interested youth are advised to check the eligibility criteria and areas of interest listed on the official portal.
The move comes at a time when many young graduates in the kingdom are hungry for more than just motivational speeches, they want real opportunities. And this, says UNDP and its partners, is exactly what EYEP is all about.
From the city streets of Mbabane to the rural corners of Lubombo, the message is clear: the time is now, and the opportunity is real.
