Abstract
Youth unemployment in Eswatini is a pressing issue, with rates consistently exceeding 50% over the past decade. Enterprise Facilitation programmes have been proposed as a potential solution to this problem, yet their effectiveness remains underexplored. This technical report critically assesses the impact of Enterprise Facilitation programmes on youth unemployment in Eswatini, focusing on the Manzini Region's constituencies of Lobamba Lomdzala, Mafutseni, and Ludzeludze.
The study employed qualitative research design, utilizing unstructured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with 74 beneficiaries of the Enterprise Facilitation program. Data analysis involved open coding to identify key themes and insights related to the efficiency of Enterprise Facilitation strategies, the role of local economic development, and the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs.
The findings reveal that an integrated approach to Enterprise Facilitation, encompassing access to finance, capacity building, marketing, operational effectiveness, and value chain establishment, is crucial for creating sustainable youth enterprises. Local economic development significantly contributes to reducing youth unemployment by providing access to funding, entrepreneurial empowerment, business support, market access, and networking opportunities.
However, young entrepreneurs face several challenges, including limited access to financial capital, technological tools, and raw materials, as well as difficulties in navigating the market landscape, and a lack of adequate skills and experience. Regulatory and environmental uncertainty further hinders entrepreneurial growth. Proposed solutions include financial support mechanisms, integrated business development programmes, and better access to land for agricultural and commercial purposes.
The study recommends that Enterprise Facilitation strategies adopt an integrated approach, combining mentoring, coaching, capacity building, and access to finance and marketing strategies. Further research is suggested to explore the key issues impeding youth entrepreneurship in Eswatini, such as land access and financing strategies, disaggregated by gender.