MBABANE, May 12, 2025 — The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved the Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP) aimed at increasing income earning opportunities for targeted youth in the Kingdom of Eswatini. EYEOP is the first project in Eswatini to be financed by the International Development Association (IDA) following the current country’s transition to an IDA/IBRD blended status.
Young people in Eswatini make up 30% of the population, and nearly half the labor force. Yet, formal employment opportunities remain scarce, with only 1,000 new jobs created annually compared to 25,000 new entrants. Young women face even greater challenges, with an unemployment rate of 52.4% compared to 45% for men. Through skills training in high-growth sectors (such as agricultural value chains and related services), and the establishment of a dynamic and digital social registry, EYEOP aims to promote youth economic empowerment.
“The support from the World Bank is a catalyst for transformative change, particularly for our youth, unlocking opportunities in skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment. Through these initiatives, we are empowering the next generation of Emaswati to drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable progress for years to come,” said Honorable Dr. Thabo Gina, Minister of Economic Planning and Development of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
With nearly half of Eswatini’s youth unemployed and over 53% not engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET), the project responds to an urgent need for youth to access productive employment and economic inclusion. The project will empower approximately 30,000 young people, with at least 50% female beneficiaries. It will also include young people with disabilities, and assist the government to empower young people with market-relevant skills, facilitate job placements, and provide entrepreneurial support by including building on existing programs and leveraging strategic partnerships. The project aligns with Eswatini’s National Development Plan and the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework. Over five years, the project aims to increase incomes, improve access to employment, and enhance the government’s ability to deliver targeted support to those most in need.
“This project represents an important step toward economic inclusion, as youth unemployment in Eswatini is at 49% and many young people are limited to informal and low-quality jobs. By investing in entrepreneurship, market-driven skills, and more effective social protection, the project will help reduce poverty and vulnerability, while advancing Eswatini’s broader development goals. The World Bank is proud to stand with Eswatini’s youth as they build a more secure and prosperous future,” said Satu Kahkonen, World Bank Division Director for Eswatini.
EYEOP has two key components aimed at addressing challenges faced by young people:
- Component 1: Youth Income-Earning Opportunities. This component aims to expand income-generating opportunities for targeted youth by promoting self-employment in on-farm agricultural production as well as in agriculture-related value chains and other services.
- Component 2: Strengthening Social Protection Targeting and Delivery Systems. This component supports the development of a dynamic and digital Social Registry to enhance the identification and targeting of vulnerable youth, serving as a key tool for this project and broader social protection programs.
