The Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) 2025

Omran Aburayya
Jun 5
3 min read

If you're a young graduate or aspiring artisan in Eswatini seeking to gain practical experience, develop vocational skills, or launch your own business, the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) 2025 offers a transformative opportunity. This government-led initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, empowering youth aged 18 to 35 through structured internships and skills training.

🎓EYEP Program Summary

Location: Kingdom of Eswatini
Host Institutions: Government ministries, private sector companies, NGOs, and civil society organizations
Program Type: Not applicable (work placements and vocational training)
Target Group: Unemployed Eswatini youth aged 18–35
Fields of Focus:
- Graduate Placement: Various sectors including public administration, finance, health, education, and more
- Artisanal Skills Training: Sewing, upholstery, electrical installation, plumbing, metalwork, building and construction
Value and Coverage:
- Graduate Interns: Monthly stipend during six-month internship
- Artisanal Trainees: Three-month vocational training, business development support, and provision of essential tools upon graduation
Programme Duration:
- Graduate Placement: 6 months
- Artisanal Training: 3 months
Application Deadline: 11 June 2025
Start Date: To be announced upon selection
Eligibility: Eswatini citizens aged 18–35, unemployed, and meeting specific criteria for each programme component

📘 Program Overview

Launched in November 2022, EYEP is a collaborative effort between the Eswatini government, private sector, tertiary institutions, civil society organizations, and UNDP. The programme addresses youth unemployment through two main components:

1. Graduate Placement and Mentorship

This component offers structured internships to recent graduates, providing them with hands-on work experience in various sectors. Interns are matched with host organizations that offer professional mentorship and coaching, enhancing their employability and confidence.

2. Artisanal Skills Training and Entrepreneurship

Targeting youth without tertiary education, this component delivers accelerated three-month vocational training in trades such as sewing, upholstery, electrical installation, plumbing, metalwork, and construction. Graduates receive business development support and essential tools to facilitate self-employment and entrepreneurship.

🎁 Program Benefits

Graduate Interns:
- Gain practical work experience in a professional setting
- Receive mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals
- Earn a monthly stipend during the internship period
- Enhance employability and build professional networks
Artisanal Trainees:
- Acquire vocational skills through hands-on training
- Receive business development support and mentorship
- Obtain essential tools and equipment upon graduation
- Develop entrepreneurial skills to start and manage small businesses

✅ Eligibility Criteria

For Graduate Placement:

Must be a citizen of Eswatini
Aged between 18 and 35 years
Unemployed and actively seeking work experience
Recent graduate from a recognized tertiary institution
Not currently engaged in any other internship or employment

For Artisanal Skills Training:

Must be a citizen of Eswatini
Aged between 18 and 35 years
Unemployed and not enrolled in any educational institution
No prior tertiary education required
Interest in acquiring vocational skills and starting a business

📝 Application Procedure and Documents Required

Application Steps:

Visit the official EYEP website: https://eyep.org.sz
Complete the online application form corresponding to your chosen programme component (Graduate Placement or Artisanal Skills Training).
Upload a copy of your National ID or Passport (PDF format).
Provide accurate personal information, including contact details and educational background.
Submit the application before the deadline: 11 June 2025.