Eswatini - Integrating Skills and Jobs in the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Program (ISJ-MNWAP)

The Bank is supporting the Kingdom of Eswatini with an immediate technical assistance financedthrough MIC TAF to address this issue. The appraisal mission (held from 24th to 28th July 2023) revealed that the region is characterised by highest levels of unemployment rate (64.4% among 15-24 olds, relative to 58.2% at national level, 61.4% in Manzini, 56.2% in Lobombo, and 52.9% in Hhohho, according to the 2021 Labour Force Survey) and highest school dropout rates at all levels of education. Consultative meetings with youth groups revealed significant gaps in technical and entrepreneurship skills. This underscores the need to integrate youth skills development and jobs creation in the MNWAP in the Shiselweni region and the country as a whole.