Closing the Skills Gap: S4Y Programme Aligns TVET with Labour Market Demand to Tackle Youth Unemployment in Eswatini
As youth unemployment continues to place pressure on Eswatini’s economy, a renewed focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is emerging as a key solution.
Mbabane, Eswatini — As youth unemployment continues to place pressure on Eswatini’s economy, a renewed focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is emerging as a key solution — equipping young people with the practical, in-demand skills needed to transition into work and entrepreneurship.
The Skills for Youth Employability, Entrepreneurship and Empowerment (S4Y) programme is at the forefront of this shift, working to align skills development systems with labour market needs and expand pathways to opportunity for young people across the kingdom.
Implemented in partnership with the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, including the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), and co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union, the programme brings together key stakeholders to drive a more coordinated, responsive, and inclusive TVET system.
The Programme Steering Committee (PSC) is co-chaired by the government ministries, with private sector and civil society partners actively participating as members, ensuring that decision-making is aligned with national priorities and labour market realities.
At the heart of S4Y is the recognition that youth are critical drivers of Eswatini’s future. The programme strengthens the link between education and employment by equipping young people with practical, demand-driven skills that improve employability and open pathways to entrepreneurship.
“This flagship programme supports youth, women, and vulnerable groups through improved employability and entrepreneurship. By strengthening access to practical, demand-driven skills, we are enabling young people to contribute meaningfully to the economy while fostering innovation and self-reliance,” said Eva Maria Engdahl, Head of Cooperation, EU-Delegation to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“Building on regional experience from peer exchange engagements in Malawi and Kenya, S4Y tailors these lessons to Eswatini’s context. The programme is fully aligned with national policy frameworks, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact,” added Makhosini Mndawe, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS).
Nanikie Mnisi,Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) emphasised that strengthening TVET is key to unlocking opportunity for young people. With active government leadership, S4Y supports improved training quality, expanded work-based learning, and stronger collaboration between training institutions and employers.“With a growing number of young people entering the labour market, it is essential that skills development aligns with demand. TVET plays a critical role in improving quality, strengthening coordination, and creating inclusive pathways for young people to build self-determined futures,” said Rixa von Somnitz-Moreno, Economic Cooperation Division at the German Embassy.
Collaboration with the Ministry of Labour & Social Security further reinforces alignment between workforce development and employment policy frameworks, ensuring that training pathways lead to real, tangible opportunities.
The programme also places strong emphasis on inclusion, expanding access for all young people — particularly those facing systemic barriers — and creating enabling environments where everyone can participate and thrive.
“Too many young people leave the education system without the skills required for the labour market. Through S4Y, we are working with government and private sector partners to ensure the system becomes fit for purpose and delivers meaningful livelihoods,” said Thomas Schäfer, Country Director of GIZ South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini.
“We are at the cusp of something big — this programme brings together government, private sector and civil society to open real opportunities for youth,” Nathi E Dlamini, CEO of Business Eswatini.
Implementation is guided by government-led PSC co-chairs, strengthened partnerships with training institutions, and ongoing engagement to ensure accountability, alignment, and responsiveness.
Early priorities include addressing critical gaps in tools and equipment, strengthening accreditation pathways, and enhancing systems to track progress and results.
With strong partnerships and shared commitment, S4Y signals a shift from strategy to action — positioning TVET as a practical solution to reduce unemployment, strengthen the workforce, and unlock opportunity for Eswatini’s youth.
