The Upskilling Certification and Skills Showcase will be held again in 2027, with government and the Taiwan Technical Mission planning to expand trainee intake, industry participation and linkages to formal certification and employment.
The announcement follows the inaugural event recently held at Prince of Wales.
The 2026 event was organised by the Taiwan Technical Mission in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. 
The 2026 showcase was attended by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, the acting Taiwan Ambassador,
the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training who delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister and the Mayor of Mbabane.
The programme featured practical demonstrations by trainees in five areas: Cooking, Microsoft Office, Cyber Security, Industrial Wiring and Auto Electrical.
Organisers stated the objective was to display competencies acquired and to demonstrate the application of skills in workplace and entrepreneurial settings.
Representing the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Sophia said the skills showcased represent pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance.
She stated that the training reflects industry requirements and can enable young people to contribute to Eswatini’s economic growth.
Sophia reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting TVET through the Taiwan Technical Mission TVET Enhancement Project.
She noted that investing in people is a sustainable national investment and acknowledged the contribution of instructors, trainers and project staff.
Taiwan pledged continued cooperation with Eswatini in education, skills development and innovation.
The Principal Secretary Nanikie Mnisi on behalf of the Minister of Education and Training, highlighted support measures provided under the Taiwan Technical Mission TVET Enhancement Project.
These included subsidised training fees, transport assistance and daily lunch packs.
The Principal Secretary said the support reduced financial barriers to training.
The Principal Secretary further stated that trainees received certificates of attendance and that eligible candidates will be prioritised for trade testing through the Department of Industrial and Vocational Training.
The aim, she said, is to emphasise competency, assessment and formal recognition of skills.
The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima said technical and vocational skills are essential for economic growth, industrial development and youth employment.
He encouraged graduates to utilise business incubation, mentorship, apprenticeships, workplace attachments and digital business platforms.
He also called for participation in skills competitions including WorldSkills Eswatini.
The Minister identified access to capital as a major challenge for youth entrepreneurs.
He advised graduates to prepare bankable business plans and to apply for available youth funding, while maintaining discipline and sound financial management.
The Mayor of Mbabane Thulani Mkhonto linked the skills to the city’s economy. He noted demand in government, financial services, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, ICT and automotive sectors.
He identified opportunities for graduates in Food Preparation and Culinary Arts, digital administration, Cyber Security, Industrial Wiring and Automobile Technology.
The Mayor added that the skills can also support the establishment of businesses in catering, ICT support, cybersecurity consultancy, electrical contracting and automotive repair.
