By Fezile Mkhatshwa
The Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) has officially transitioned from just offering specialized training and exposure to the unemployed youth, to launching active enterprise, handing over specialized business starter kits to 11 certified cellphone repair artisans.
This initiative, a partnership between the Government of Eswatini and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), targets a critical technical labour gap in the nation’s rural economy.
Despite a mobile connectivity rate of 134 connections per 100 people, a figure higher than the national population itself, there still exists a glaring gap, Eswatini faces a chronic shortage of certified Swazi repair technicians. Most communities currently rely on a severely undersupplied market for the maintenance of devices that have become essential for mobile banking, education, job hunting, and e-commerce. While these services are concentrated in major cities, rural areas remain digitally stranded.
“Mobile phones are now essential for communication, business and banking, education, and access to services, yet very few emaSwati possess the technical skills to repair these devices,” noted Dr. Tambo Gina, Minister for Economic Planning and Development.
The programme specifically prioritized youth from the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions. These areas face disproportionately high unemployment and fewer economic opportunities compared to the industrial hubs of Hhohho or Manzini. Nationally, youth unemployment for those aged 15-35 is estimated at 56%, with approximately 25,000 young people entering the labour market annually against only 1,000 new formal jobs.
Among the 11 beneficiaries is Judith Nkambule, one of 3 women selected for the advanced cellphone repair course. She explained how appreciative she is of this opportunity that she never even realized would change her situation.
“It wasn’t easy, especially being in a male-dominated field, but I persevered. I can now fix hardware and software issues, run diagnostics, and troubleshoot almost any problem. I’ve already started a workshop in Nhlangano, and this kit will go a long way in expanding my business.”
Technical Rigor and Selection
The training, delivered by the College of Information Technology (CIT) in Mbabane, followed a merit-based progression model. Initially, 15 high school graduates completed an intensive eight-week foundational course. From this cohort, the 10 best-performing trainees, consisting of seven men and three women, were selected for advanced technical specialization.
This advanced curriculum moved beyond basic hardware fixes into complex diagnostics, analytical troubleshooting, and quality assurance practices.
Additionally, an 11th artisan from the Lubuli Constituency was awarded a starter kit. Although he was not part of the advanced cohort, he successfully launched a private repair business immediately following the basic training. UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin highlighted this individual effort, stating, “This is to recognise him for his effort and passion of starting a small business to service his community.”
The artisanal stream of the EYEP is demonstrating high conversion rates from vocational study to active livelihoods. Since its launch in 2023, the programme has trained a total of 450 artisans in various fields, including culinary arts, sewing, upholstery, and metalwork. A recent tracer study revealed that 62% of these graduates have already started small businesses or secured employment.
Parallel to the artisanal training, the EYEP graduate placement stream continues to bridge the gap between education and work. Over 4,100 graduates are registered on the national EYEP portal, with 316 individuals successfully placed in six-month internships across 66 host institutions.
“These outcomes show that when young people are given a fair chance, they rise to the occasion,” Minister Gina said. “Notably, 97% of these interns had no prior work experience, yet over 55% secured employment or entrepreneurial pathways shortly after completing their placements.”
The provided starter kits, which include essential diagnostic, testers, and repair equipment, serve as a practical launchpad for new enterprises in rural Tinkhundla and an industry relevant boost to existing small repair shops. These kiosks will allow the youth to earn a living while providing a much-needed service to their home communities.
Franklin reaffirmed the commitment to scale these initiatives, stating:
“Today’s handover is not just about equipment, but it is about unlocking potential and building a more inclusive, resilient economy. As UNDP, we are actively scouting for gaps in the varying sectors and see how we can continue to enable the development of the youth of Eswatini.”
Plans are already underway to extend these opportunities to another 250 youth by the end of 2026, with the first phase focused on addressing critical infrastructure needs, including road construction in remote areas, as noted by Minister Gina.