Manzini – Government has committed E500 784 towards the Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC) TVET Toolkit Support Programme, benefiting 89 young people from all four regions of the country.
The beneficiaries received toolkit support during a ceremony held at Metropolitan in Manzini on September 28, 2026, with the equipment intended to help them turn their technical skills into businesses and sustainable livelihoods.
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima said the government allocation demonstrated its commitment to youth economic empowerment and ensuring that opportunities reached young people across the country.
“This demonstrates that youth economic empowerment remains a national priority and that we are committed to ensuring that opportunities reach young people across the country,” Nzima said.
The beneficiaries are involved in various technical trades and income-generating activities, including sewing, carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical installation, motor mechanics, photography, upholstery and cellphone repairs.
Nzima said technical and vocational skills could help young people secure employment, establish businesses and provide services within their communities.
He, however, said the real measure of the programme would be what happened after the toolkits were handed over.
“The success of this programme should not only be measured by the number of toolkits handed over. We must also look at what happens afterwards,” he said.
The minister said Government and ENYC needed to establish whether the tools were being used, whether businesses were becoming operational, whether beneficiaries were generating income and whether enterprises were growing.
He urged the beneficiaries to treat the toolkits as a starting point and to use the equipment responsibly to provide quality services and build sustainable businesses.
Nzima further encouraged the young entrepreneurs to keep proper records, understand their costs and income, know their customers and reinvest in their businesses where possible.
He said access to equipment alone was not enough, noting that young entrepreneurs also needed markets, finance, mentorship and business knowledge.
Nzima called for continued cooperation between Government, ENYC, the private sector, financial institutions, development partners, training institutions and communities to strengthen the link between skills development and economic opportunities.
“To our young people: make the most of the opportunity before you. Believe in your skills. Be innovative. Be willing to learn, and do not be afraid to start small,” he said.
He said Government wanted to see young people move beyond looking for jobs to creating businesses, providing services and opening opportunities for others.
The minister congratulated the 89 beneficiaries and urged them to turn the tools into productive work and sustainable livelihoods.
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