As Eswatini continues to advance its human capital agenda, stakeholders from across the public and private sectors convened at Emafini Lodge, Mbabane, from 21st to 24th October 2025, to shape the country’s National Skills Development Master Plan (NSDMP). The four-day workshop series, hosted by the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC) in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), focused on aligning skills development with national economic priorities and preparing a workforce capable of driving inclusive and sustainable growth.

The workshops brought together representatives from key economic sectors to discuss Eswatini’s roadmap for skills development. Participants were introduced to the objectives and tools of the NSDMP, which builds on the National Human Resource Development Policy and findings from the National Skills Audit. These findings identified critical gaps and mismatches between labour market needs and available skills. The Master Plan seeks to translate this evidence into coordinated strategies that enhance collaboration among policymakers, training institutions, employers, and development partners.

The opening session featured a presentation by Thembumenzi Dlamini Mnisi, a Research Fellow at ESEPARC, who shared the results of the National Skills Audit. Her presentation outlined the current state of Eswatini’s labour market, highlighting persistent youth unemployment, skills shortages in specialised fields, and emerging opportunities in new growth sectors. This provided a solid foundation for the discussions that followed, setting a clear direction for developing a skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce. To encourage targeted dialogue and practical outcomes, participants were divided into two sectoral groups:

  • Group 1 (Tuesday–Wednesday): Education, ICT, Tourism, Retail & Wholesale, and Real Estate.
  • Group 2 (Thursday–Friday): Finance & Insurance, Mining & Energy, Health, Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities, and Transport & Logistics.

This structure enabled each sector to explore specific challenges, share experiences, and propose realistic pathways for developing a responsive and future-ready workforce. Throughout the four days, participants engaged in in-depth sectoral discussions to identify priorities and actionable interventions. The workshops produced consensus on strategies to:

  • Strengthen training provider capacity and promote quality standards.
  • Enhance inclusivity and youth participation in the labour market.
  • Improve coordination among education, industry, and government actors.
  • Institutionalise data-driven planning and continuous skills forecasting.

The workshops represented more than a consultation; they marked a critical milestone in Eswatini’s journey toward a skilled, adaptable, and competitive workforce. By linking research evidence to practical interventions, the NSDMP will lay a strong foundation for workforce transformation.

With continued commitment from government, industry, and development partners, Eswatini is well-positioned to close its skills gap, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen national competitiveness. The implementation of the NSDMP signals a collective determination to ensure that Eswatini’s workforce is future-ready and aligned with the country’s socio-economic transformation goals.