Africa-Press – Eswatini. As Eswatini faces a youth unemployment rate of 56%, ten young people from the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions are rewriting their futures by venturing into cellphone repair businesses through the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) on Wednesday.
Among the beneficiaries are Gama Siphendulile Wendy from Lubuli, Mahlalela Gcinile Thulile from Mhlume, and Nkambule Judith from Shiselweni I, who have received start-up kits after completing advanced training aimed at equipping them with practical, income-generating skills.
The group, made up of seven men and three women, was selected from an initial intake of 15 trainees who underwent cellphone repair training in 2025. Their progression to advanced level reflects both performance and commitment, positioning them to establish businesses within their communities.
For the beneficiaries, the handover marked more than just receiving tools, it signalled a turning point. With limited employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, many young people struggle to secure stable income, often forced into informal work or prolonged unemployment.
According to government estimates, about 25,000 young people enter the labour market each year, while only 1,000 formal jobs are created. This imbalance continues to widen the gap, especially in underserved regions such as Lubombo and Shiselweni.
The Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme, introduced in 2022 in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seeks to address this challenge by equipping youth with practical, market-driven skills. In a country where mobile phone usage exceeds the population, cellphone repair has emerged as a high demand service with strong business potential.
Each beneficiary received a starter kit with diagnostic and repair tools, enabling them to set up cellphone repair kiosks and provide essential services within their communities.
With their new skills and equipment, these young entrepreneurs are not only fixing phones but also rebuilding their future, transforming from job seekers into job creators while bringing services closer to the people.
