BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MPOLONJENI– Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has disclosed that Eswatini has recorded a modest improvement in youth unemployment, with the rate declining from previous levels of 56 percent to approximately 52.2 percent.
The Prime Minister said while the reduction was encouraging, the figures remained a concern as they represented thousands of young emaSwati facing delayed dreams, limited opportunities and untapped potential.
Dlamini was speaking during the official launch of the 6th Annual Eswatini National Career Expo 2026 held at Mpolonjeni Inkhundla in the Lubombo Region on Monday
He said the country’s youth unemployment challenge required urgent collective action from government, the private sector, educational institutions and young people themselves.
“With a youthful population of 72 percent under the age of 35 and a youth unemployment rate that stands at approximately 52.2 percent, it is encouraging that Eswatini is showing a modest improvement in the rate of unemployment among the youth compared to past statistics of 56 percent in recent years,” said Dlamini.
“However, these figures are not mere statistics; they represent untapped potential, deferred dreams, and a call to urgent, collective action.”
The Career Expo, held under the theme “Creating Opportunities for Entrepreneurial Innovation and Career Growth,” is aimed at connecting young people with career guidance, entrepreneurship opportunities, education pathways, funding opportunities and industry partners.
The Prime Minister said the initiative was aligned with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of a prosperous, self-reliant and globally competitive Eswatini driven by a skilled and productive workforce.
He said human capital development remained central to the country’s transformation agenda through the Nkwe Programme of Action.
Dlamini challenged young people to move away from the traditional mindset of completing studies only to seek employment, urging them to embrace entrepreneurship and become creators of jobs.
“For too long, the traditional mindset has been to graduate and look for employment. Government is shifting this paradigm,” he said.
He said through reforms such as the Competency Based Education system, government was seeking to nurture learners according to their talents and capabilities while building skills required in the modern economy.
“To our youth, you are not merely the future of Eswatini but a dynamic force capable of transforming our economy today,” Dlamini said.
The Prime Minister said the Expo was designed to bridge the gap between education and industry needs by ensuring that young people acquire skills that respond to market demands.
He encouraged youth to identify gaps within local markets, embrace technology and develop innovative solutions that could compete globally.
Dlamini highlighted three key pillars that young people should focus on to improve their employability and career prospects.
The first pillar, he said, was informed educational pathways, urging learners to choose accredited institutions and programmes registered with the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC).
He said qualifications should be globally competitive and aligned with industry expectations.
The second pillar was embracing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as well as technical and vocational skills.
“STEM remains the backbone of the modern economy. I urge our learners to lean heavily into these disciplines alongside high-value technical and vocational trades,” he said.
The third pillar was financial and business literacy, which he said was critical for young entrepreneurs seeking to establish sustainable businesses.
He encouraged youth to make use of government-supported empowerment programmes under the Eswatini National Youth Council and funding mechanisms such as the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund.
Dlamini also urged young people to engage financial institutions and business development mentors participating in the Career Expo tour.
He said government would continue creating an enabling environment for youth empowerment through education reforms, expanded vocational infrastructure and increased access to funding.
The Prime Minister commended the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, industry partners, tertiary institutions and financial institutions for supporting the decentralised Career Expo.
He said taking the Expo to different regions ensured that opportunities reached young people across the country.
“To our corporate and social partners: continue opening your doors for internships, mentorship programmes, and seed financing. The sustainable growth of Eswatini relies heavily on your willingness to invest in local talent,” he said.
Dlamini urged young people attending the Expo not only to visit exhibitions but to actively engage with stakeholders, ask questions, build networks and explore available opportunities.
“Opportunities begin by showing up. This Expo is a golden gateway. Do not just pass by the exhibits; ask questions, challenge your assumptions, network, and absorb everything you can,” he said.
The Prime Minister officially declared the Annual Eswatini National Career Expo 2026 launched, saying it should ignite dreams, unlock opportunities and inspire innovation among young emaSwati.
The Career Expo will travel across seven destinations in the Kingdom, bringing together government entities, businesses, educational institutions, entrepreneurs and development partners to provide career and entrepreneurship guidance.
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