EYEOP opens applications for young emaSwati

Young emaSwati seek­ing employment, practical skills training or opportu­nities to establish their own busi­nesses have been invited to apply for the Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP), which is targeting young people aged between 18 and 35 years across the country’s four regions.

The project, a Government of Eswatini initiative supported by the World Bank, aims to expand economic opportunities for young people through agriculture and con­struction, with a particular focus on improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship and building resil­ient livelihoods.

Applications officially opened on October 13, 2026, and will close on November 13, 2026.

The initiative is open to young men and women residing in Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo, who are not in employment, edu­cation or training (NEET) or those currently engaged in low-income or vulnerable employment.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE SUPPORT

Through EYEOP, beneficiaries will have access to practical, com­petency-based skills training, in­ternationally recognised pathways through DIVT-accredited skills certification, apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

Beyond skills development, the project will also provide enterprise development and start-up support to young people interested in establish­ing businesses.

Participants will further benefit from ongoing mentorship and after­care support, as well as linkages to finance, markets, employment and business opportunities.

The programme seeks to create pathways into economic partici­pation by equipping young people with practical skills that respond to opportunities within the agricultural and construction sectors.

THREE PATHWAYS AVAILABLE

Under agriculture, the project will support on-farm enterprises focus­ing on the production of selected climate-resilient, high-value crops and livestock.

It will also target off-farm agri­businesses, creating opportunities in agricultural input supply, logistics, post-harvest handling, processing, equipment services and digital ser­vices.

In the construction and trades sector, opportunities will include bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, plumbing, electrical installation, road maintenance and works, as well as building construction.

These pathways are intended to provide young people with both tech­nical capabilities and opportunities to participate in productive econom­ic activi­ties.

WHO QUALI­FIES AND HOW TO APPLY

To qualify, applicants must be emaSwati aged be­tween 18 and 35 years, reside in one of the four regions and meet the project’s approved eligibility criteria.

Young women and youth with disabilities have been particularly encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants are required to complete the application form and attach clear copies of their national identity documents, including both the front and back of their ID cards, together with any other supporting documents.

Applications can be submitted on­line through the project’s application portal at https://arcg.is/0CKaiz1. Alternatively, applicants may visit their nearest Inkhundla Centre to obtain a physical application form.

The project has emphasised that submitting an application does not guarantee selection, as all appli­cations will be assessed against the approved eligibility criteria.

For young peo­ple requiring a ssistance with the ap­plication process, support is available through their re­spective inkhundla centres or members of Tinkhundla Youth Com­mittees in their areas. Enquiries can also be directed to the project through 7695 6110 or 7995 6110.

With applications closing in almost two weeks, eligible young people have been encouraged to take ad­vantage of the initiative and apply within the stipulated period.