MANZINI – The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, in partnership with UNFPA Eswatini, launched the 2025 State of the World Population Report during World Population Day commemorations held today at The George Hotel.
This year’s report, themed “The fertility crisis: The pursuit of reproductive agency in a changing world,” focuses on the barriers preventing young people from achieving their reproductive goals. Economic pressure, social insecurity, health risks, and climate anxiety were named as key factors influencing decisions about family size.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Minister Dr. Tambo Gina, Principal Secretary Thabsile Mlangeni said young people must be supported with access to reproductive health services and information. She referenced the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), stating that everyone should have the right to make their own reproductive choices.
Eswatini’s fertility rate has steadily declined from 7.8 children per woman in 1966 to 3.2 by 2017, signalling a major demographic transition. However, MICS 2021–22 data shows a drop in contraceptive use among young people—from 65.5% in 2014 to 57% in 2021—despite free family planning services being available nationwide.
The report further draws attention to youth unemployment, which remains high at 56%, and the fact that 38.6% of youth are not in education, employment, or training.
On adolescent health, the report noted a decline in the teenage birth rate, which fell from 87 per 1,000 in 2014 to 78 in 2021–22. This has been supported by government interventions including the Learner Pregnancy Policy of 2023 and the teenage pregnancy task force.
Mlangeni also spoke on the increase in gender-based violence, with one in three women in Eswatini affected. She said this threatens efforts to advance reproductive health and called for continued action across all sectors.
The report will be circulated among government departments, development partners, and civil society to inform policy and strengthen support systems for youth.
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