The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved the Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP), which aims to increase income-earning opportunities for young people in the Kingdom of Eswatini. This project marks the first initiative in Eswatini financed by the International Development Association (IDA) following the country's transition to an IDA/IBRD blended status.
Eswatini's youth, comprising 30% of the population and nearly half of the labor force, face limited formal employment opportunities. Annually, only 1,000 new jobs are created compared to 25,000 new entrants into the job market. The unemployment rate for young women is notably higher at 52.4%, compared to 45% for men. EYEOP intends to address these challenges through skills training in high-growth sectors such as agricultural value chains and related services and by establishing a dynamic digital social registry.
Honorable Dr. Thabo Gina, Minister of Economic Planning and Development of Eswatini, stated: “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.”
With almost half of Eswatini’s youth unemployed and over 53% not engaged in education or training (NEET), this project seeks to provide access to productive employment and economic inclusion. Approximately 30,000 young people will be empowered through this initiative with at least half being female beneficiaries. The project also includes provisions for young people with disabilities and aims to equip them with market-relevant skills while facilitating job placements and providing entrepreneurial support.
Satu Kahkonen, World Bank Division Director for Eswatini commented: “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."
EYEOP consists of two main components:
Component 1 focuses on expanding income-generating opportunities by promoting self-employment in on-farm agricultural production as well as agriculture-related value chains.
Component 2 supports developing a dynamic digital Social Registry aimed at improving identification and targeting vulnerable youth within social protection programs.