Africazine:
The European Union is actively investing in youth empowerment in Eswatini through a significant funding initiative.
On Friday, the EU hosted an information session on the Youth Empowerment Fund at Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane. This flagship initiative, part of the Youth Action Plan for EU External Action, is supported by €10 million, approximately E180 million, aimed at creating opportunities for young people to drive change in their communities.
EU Launches Youth Empowerment Fund in Eswatini
The interactive session brought together youth-led and youth-serving organizations from across Eswatini. EU Chargé d’Affaires José Becerra emphasized the fund’s goal to provide practical opportunities for youth, including mentoring and capacity strengthening. He highlighted the importance of engaging marginalized communities to empower young people in addressing local challenges.
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima acknowledged the EU as a vital partner in youth development. He praised the initiative for delivering tangible, youth-centered solutions that extend beyond policy into real community impact.
Eswatini: Key figures on Youth Empowerment Fund
- €10 million
- approximately E180 million
Experiences Shared by Fund Beneficiaries
During the session, beneficiaries of the Youth Empowerment Fund shared their experiences regarding the application process and project implementation. Their stories highlighted the fund’s positive impact on their communities and the opportunities it has created for youth engagement.
Next Steps for the Youth Empowerment Initiative
- Continued collaboration with international youth-serving organizations.
- Ongoing support for mentoring and capacity-building programs.
- Engagement with marginalized communities to unlock further opportunities.
The EU’s Youth Empowerment Fund is set to transform the lives of young people in Eswatini.
