Africa-Press – Eswatini. A total of 650 youth graduated from the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Academy during its fourth intake ceremony held at The Institution in Two Sticks in Manzini on April 13, 2026 where government officials, partners, and community members gathered to mark a significant milestone in youth skills development and employment creation in Eswatini.
The graduation comes at a time when the country continues to prioritise youth empowerment as a strategy to tackle unemployment and stimulate economic growth. The IYF Academy programme is designed to equip young people with hands-on, practical skills that can be directly applied in the job market or used to start small businesses.
Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, urged the graduates to use their training to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to national development. “Do not look down upon yourselves. You have the ability to create opportunities and uplift your families,” he said, adding that skills development remains key to unlocking the country’s economic potential.
The graduates underwent intensive training in various technical and vocational fields, including welding, sewing, plumbing, electrical installation, auto mechanics, cellphone repair, and graphic design. These sectors are widely recognised for their potential to absorb labour and promote entrepreneurship, particularly among young people.
Beyond technical training, the programme also emphasised discipline, work ethic, and entrepreneurship, preparing graduates to navigate both formal employment and self-employment opportunities.
One of the graduates, Vusi Kunene, who specialised in computer and cellphone repair, said the programme has already had a positive impact on his business. “The training will really help as I managed to add repair services at the shop. This helps grow revenue because Hlathikhulu doesn’t have much buying power,” he said.
The IYF Academy continues to play a crucial role in building a skilled, confident, and self-reliant generation, supporting Eswatini’s broader vision of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
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