Capacity Development and Infrastructure - ENYC

In 2004 the Eswatini Government solicited resources from the Global fund to construct 16 youth centres in 16 constituencies across the country as a pilot project. This program was implemented under the auspices of the Youth Council and the centres were intended to serve as a platform for several activities to be implemented including sports activities and Life Skills Education activities. Youth Centres are meant to also be a place where program implementers in the country can utilize the presence of young people and conduct youth-focused community mobilization and education.

The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs and the Council is now working on restructuring the youth centers into youth development centers which will enable youth to get trained on different industry and/or technical and vocational skills. Through a partnership with Junior Achievement Eswatini (JAE), UNICEF provided support to coordinate and run Business Incubation Centres for social entrepreneurship in two of these youth centers. Skills delivered to young people at the centers include basic accountancy training, job search support, career planning, life skills and livelihood skills training. UNDP has been instrumental in fostering innovation through various initiatives, including Enhancing Innovative Capacity for SDG Solutions project.

Implemented in partnership with Standard Bank and RSTP, this project provided seed capital and business incubation support to approximately 20 young entrepreneurs, empowering them to launch their startups. UNDP has a commitment to promote innovation. Established five years ago, the UNDP Accelerator Labs identify and test innovative solutions to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eswatini is one of the 115 countries with an Accelerator Lab.

The development of ICT infrastructure and incorporation of ICT education, training, and commodities could accelerate and improve the readiness of the young population to participate meaningfully in the workforce. The Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC) launched the Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA). The Digital Readiness Assessment is expected to bring numerous benefits, including improved digital infrastructure, enhanced public services, and increased economic opportunities. Identifying and addressing gaps in digital readiness to create a more inclusive and innovative society.