BY SETHABILE MYENI
MBABANE – Junior Achievement and UNICEF Generation Unlimited recruited 50 youth and are currently undergoing the 12-month entrepreneurship training program which includes mentorship.
These businesses are said to be incubated at the Nhlangano Incubation Centre until they are fully functioning and are able to get their own premises. The centre provides printing and has 100 computers with internet connectivity for the youth. It is said that the Eswatini National Youth Council housed it.
UNICEF Representative Amina Mohammed, in a recent presentation she made during the first anniversary of Likusasa Letfu Youth Centre, urged stakeholders to take practical actions to reduce youth unemployment. She said investing in young people will ensure their children survive, thrive and develop.
The Ambassador and UNICEF Representative when visiting the Nhlangano Incubation Centre expressed their appreciation for the work already done by JA in Inspiring the Youth to start their own businesses.
“We are excited at the prospect of growth and we advise the business owners to upscale and target the export market. We are also hopeful that more funding will be availed for the youth to strive and become astute business owners” she said.
JA Eswatini Executive Director Phetsile Masilela stated that JA Eswatini has an 85 % success rate of youth established businesses with the 15% struggling with funding and lack of commitment.
