The Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) has unveiled the National Skills Anticipation Study, identifying sectors expected to drive future employment while warning that academic qualifications alone are no longer enough to secure work in an increasingly competitive labour market.
The findings were presented during the launch of the sixth National Eswatini Career Expo 2026 in Siteki yesterday.
The event, officiated by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, brought together learners, higher education institutions, 
employers, professional bodies, and development partners to strengthen the link between education and labour market demand.
Presenting the study, ESHEC Acting Chief Executive Officer Mpendulo Nyamane said the research was undertaken in partnership with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Taiwan Technical Mission to provide evidence on the country’s current and future skills requirements.
The study examined labour market trends, projected future employment opportunities, and identified the skills employers are expected to demand over the coming decades.
Nyamane said the findings point to growing employment opportunities in several sectors while highlighting a widening demand for graduates who possess both technical knowledge and workplace competencies.
“The study also revealed something equally important. Employers are no longer looking only for qualifications,
they are looking for graduates who can solve problems, communicate effectively,
think critically, work in teams, use digital technology, and adapt to change. In other words, success will require both technical expertise and strong employability skills,” he said.
The study comes as Eswatini continues to grapple with graduate unemployment despite increased access to tertiary education.
According to ESHEC, the report seeks to address the mismatch between qualifications produced by higher education institutions and the skills required by employers.
It identifies manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, information and communication technology, mining and renewable energy among sectors expected to generate demand for skilled workers, while digital literacy, critical thinking,
communication, and problem solving are identified as competencies increasingly valued across industries.
The report also recognizes rapid technological advancement as one of the biggest factors reshaping the labour market, requiring workers to adapt throughout their careers as new occupations emerge and existing jobs evolve.
The findings reinforce remarks made by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini during the launch, where he urged young people to prepare for a changing labour market and encouraged them to embrace
entrepreneurship. The Prime Minister said Government would not be able to absorb every graduate entering the labour market, making business creation and self-employment an important part of addressing youth unemployment.
Nyamane encouraged learners to remain innovative and prepare for careers that continue to evolve.
“For our learners, I encourage you to be curious, innovative, and forward-looking. Some of the jobs you will do in 10 years may not even exist today,” he said.
He said ESHEC continues to strengthen quality assurance in higher education by registering institutions and accrediting academic programmes to ensure graduates acquire qualifications that meet national development priorities and international standards.
“A recognized qualification opens doors to employment, professional registration, further studies, and opportunities beyond our borders,” he said.
Nyamane also called for closer collaboration between government, higher education institutions, employers, professional bodies, and development partners to ensure academic programmes remain responsive to labour market needs.
“The National Skills Study gives us a clear roadmap. It shows where opportunity exists, where skill shortages remain, and where investment in education and training will have the greatest impact,” he said.
