Young people in Piggs Peak and Ntondozi are being encouraged to turn their skills and business ideas into sustainable sources of income through the Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP), which offers opportunities in construction and agriculture.
The project, through the Microprojects Programme and the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), is targeting young people aged between 18 and 35, with priority given to those not in education, employment or training (NEET). Applications opened on October 13 and will close on November 13, 2026
During engagements in Piggs Peak and Ntondozi Inkhundla, representatives from the two implementing institutions outlined how the initiative would equip young people with practical skills, recognised qualifications and financial support to pursue employment or establish their own businesses.
The Microprojects component will provide selected participants with six months of on-the-job training at construction sites, where they will acquire practical skills in infrastructure development. Participants will report to their designated sites daily, receive personal protective equipment (PPE) and earn a monthly stipend of E1 500 during the training period.
Microprojects Regional Compliance and Skills Development Officer Sthobile Mabilisa explained that the programme was designed to prepare young people for opportunities in the construction industry by combining practical experience with formal skills assessment.
At the end of the six-month training period, the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training (DIVT) will assess participants’ competencies. Those who meet the required standards will receive a Grade 3 certificate, which could strengthen their prospects of securing employment or working independently.
Through engagement with the Construction Industry Council (CIC), participants will also have opportunities to explore employment pathways and establish construction businesses. Start-up kits containing basic tools will support those seeking to use their newly acquired skills to generate income.
Beyond technical training, participants will undergo mindset shift training covering business planning, identifying profitable markets and recognising viable business opportunities. This is intended to help young people view their skills not only as a route to employment but also as a foundation for entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, the EWADE component will focus on agricultural production, agribusiness and opportunities across the agricultural value chain, offering young people an alternative route into income generation.
Speaking on behalf of EWADE, which represents the Ministry of Agriculture in the initiative, Anastasia Khoza highlighted the range of agricultural activities young people could pursue, including the production of onions, tomatoes, potatoes, baby vegetables and beans.
Other opportunities include poultry, goat, sheep and fish farming, as well as buying and selling agricultural produce, supplying markets and connecting farmers with customers. The approach seeks to enable young people to participate at different stages of the agricultural value chain, including those who may not wish to engage directly in farming.
Selected participants under the EWADE component will receive E10 000 in financial support to pursue their chosen agricultural activities. During the engagements, young people sought clarification on how the funds would be disbursed and how they could access the support.
Khoza encouraged prospective beneficiaries to apply the knowledge and guidance provided through the project to establish viable businesses capable of generating profits and eventually creating employment for others.
Access to land also emerged as an important consideration for young people interested in agricultural production. Participants were encouraged to engage their parents and local leadership to identify suitable land for their proposed activities.
EYEOP also incorporates inclusion targets aimed at widening access to economic opportunities. Young people with special needs are expected to account for five per cent of beneficiaries, while women are targeted to constitute at least 50 per cent of participants
