At least 15 000 young women and 1 500 young people with disabilities could benefit from Government’s E432 million youth empowerment project.
The Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP) is targeting 30 000 young Emaswati over five years, with women expected to make up at least 50 per cent of beneficiaries and young people with disabilities accounting for five per cent.
The World Bank-supported project targets young people aged between 18 and 35 who are not in education, employment or training, with interventions focusing on skills development, entrepreneurship, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. 
The project was presented to Chiefs and Tindvuna of the Manzini Region during a consultative engagement held at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha on monday, as Government prepares to roll out the initiative at chiefdom level.
Based on the national target of 30 000 beneficiaries, the 50 per cent women allocation translates to at least 15 000 young women, while the five per cent allocation for young people with disabilities could benefit about 1 500 people.
Dr Tambo Gina said the project was designed to unlock the potential of young people by equipping them with practical skills and creating opportunities for them to build sustainable livelihoods.
“Our youth have the potential to transform this country and the economy,” Gina said.
“Through the EYEOP, we aim to equip these young people with the necessary skills, create opportunities, and give the support they need to earn sustainable livelihoods.”
He said the success of the project would require collaboration between Government, traditional leaders, implementing partners and communities.
Gina called on Chiefs and Tindvuna to play an active role in ensuring that eligible young people were reached and given an opportunity to participate in the programme.
“We therefore seek your support in facilitating community entry; helping us mobilise eligible youth, supporting the Social Registry process, and where appropriate, facilitating access to land for approved agricultural beneficiaries,” he said.
The project will provide opportunities through several interventions, including agriculture and agriculture-related activities.
This component will be implemented through the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE).
Agriculture is expected to provide young people with opportunities to develop businesses and generate income, particularly where beneficiaries are able to access land and other necessary support.
EYEOP will also provide employable skills through apprenticeships, creating opportunities for young people to gain practical workplace experience and improve their chances of securing employment.
The National Social Registry will form another important part of the initiative, helping to improve the identification and targeting of vulnerable households and eligible young people.
Gina assured traditional leaders that the project would be implemented according to principles of fairness and transparency, particularly in the selection of beneficiaries.
“We remain committed to ensuring that participation is free, selection is fair and transparent, and that all activities are carried out in line with established protocols,” he said.
