EU-Eswatini Youth Advisory Board

08/06/2026

YAB Legacy Spotlight 2026

Meet Seluleko C. Simelane, EU Youth Empowerment Fund Senior Youth Panelist under the Global Youth Mobilization and an outgoing member of the EU Youth Advisory Board Eswatini.

One of the highlights of Seluleko's YAB journey was serving as a bridge between young emaSwati and opportunities that could transform their lives. Through the Board, he helped raise awareness of initiatives such as Erasmus+ and the EU Youth Empowerment Fund, connecting young people to opportunities for learning, growth, and leadership. His work on national broadcast platforms and in national, regional, and international forums ensured that youth perspectives were represented where important decisions are made.

Throughout his tenure, Seluleko learned that leadership is not about speaking for young people, but about listening to them, amplifying their voices, and creating pathways for meaningful participation. This experience strengthened his commitment to service, accountability, and inclusive leadership.

As he concludes his term, Seluleko hopes to see a generation of young emaSwati who are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute to national development while remaining connected to their communities and cultural values. He envisions a future where young people are recognized not only as beneficiaries of development efforts, but as equal partners in shaping the country's future.

Thank you, Seluleko, for your dedication to youth empowerment, advocacy, and expanding opportunities for young people across Eswatini.

05/06/2026

Ending the week with our outgoing Chairperson, Busiswa Noyise Dlamini.

Busiswa served on the EU Youth Advisory Board Eswatini while leading as Executive Director of Hlumisa. Throughout her tenure, she championed meaningful youth engagement and helped strengthen the bridge between young people and decision-makers.

One of the highlights of her YAB journey was the EU YAB Green Round Table 2025, a platform that brought together diverse voices to discuss sustainable development and the role of young people in shaping a greener future.

Reflecting on her experience, Busiswa shares that one of the most valuable lessons she gained was the importance of diplomacy; learning how to engage across different perspectives, build consensus, and lead with purpose.

As she concludes her term as Chairperson, she hopes that young people in Eswatini will continue to build on the foundation that has been laid, advancing youth participation and creating opportunities for future generations.

Thank you, Busiswa, for your leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to empowering young people across Eswatini.

04/06/2026

YAB Legacy Spotlight 2026

Meet Hlengiwe Nkambule, a Nutritionist at the Ministry of Agriculture and a member of the EU Youth Advisory Board Eswatini.

One of the highlights of Hlengiwe's YAB journey was participating in the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme in Lesotho. The experience provided an immersive cross-cultural learning opportunity, broadened her understanding of diversity, and fostered meaningful connections with young leaders from across the region.

Through her time on the Board, Hlengiwe learned the importance of believing in her dreams and embracing resilience when navigating challenges. Her experience reinforced the value of intentionality, perseverance, and staying committed to a greater purpose.

As she concludes her term, Hlengiwe hopes for a future where young people in Eswatini are not only included in development initiatives but are empowered to become leaders, innovators, and implementers of their own ideas. She believes that with the right support, young people can grow into a generation that creates lasting impact for those who follow.

Thank you, Hlengiwe, for your dedication, passion, and contribution to advancing youth participation and leadership.

03/06/2026

YAB Legacy Spotlight 2026

Meet Mary Ann Howard, a Social Entrepreneur, Spiritual Mentor, Youth Leader, and Community Development Practitioner. Mary serves as the Founder of Ndauwe Spiritual Home and Co-Director of Soil & Soul Enterprises.

One of the highlights of Mary's YAB journey was contributing to the development of a thematic document addressing the challenges that limit young people's participation in the economy. Through collaborative efforts, the recommendations informed the design of an EU-supported project to be implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), which is expected to benefit more than 2,500 Emaswati, particularly young people in rural communities.

This experience reinforced her belief that meaningful youth participation happens when young people are given a seat at the table and their voices are genuinely heard and valued.

As she concludes her term, Mary hopes to see a future where young people in Eswatini have greater access to opportunities, meaningful participation in decision-making, and the support needed to become leaders, innovators, and changemakers in their communities.

"My YAB journey has taught me that meaningful youth participation can influence policies, programmes, and decisions that create lasting impact in our communities."

Thank you, Mary, for your passion, leadership, and commitment to empowering young people and strengthening community development.

02/06/2026

YAB Legacy Spotlight 2026

Meet Cleo Shabalala, Programme Coordinator at Medical Mission Eswatini and a member of the EU Youth Advisory Board Eswatini under the Social Inclusion thematic group.

One of the highlights of Cleo's YAB journey was contributing to the Khululeka Mental Health Indaba, an initiative that brought young people together to lead important conversations on mental health. Through this experience, she helped shape advocacy recommendations that reflected the voices and experiences of young people.

Her time on the Board strengthened her belief in the power of youth participation and taught her that meaningful leadership is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and purpose.

As she concludes her term, Cleo hopes to see a future where young people in Eswatini are seen, heard, and empowered to become active architects of change in their communities.

"Meaningful change begins with ordinary people who choose to care, show up, speak up, and serve."

Thank you, Cleo, for your commitment to advancing youth voices and social inclusion.

19/05/2026

Meet Busiswa Dlamini, one of the voices behind 50 years of partnership between the European Union and Eswatini.

Through EU-supported initiatives in youth empowerment, her journey reflects the power of opportunity, skills development, and community support.

Empowering young people and helping young people access quality learning and align their skills with real-world opportunities is central to sustainable development.

This story reflects how inclusive support creates opportunities for leadership, participation, and economic independence — ensuring that progress is shared.

❤️Eswatini

Meet Busiswa Dlamini, one of the voices behind 50 years of partnership between the European Union and Eswatini.Through EU-supported initiatives in youth empo...

19/05/2026

Meet Busiswa Dlamini, one of the voices behind 50 years of partnership between the European Union and Eswatini.Through EU-supported initiatives in youth empo...

07/05/2026

SAVE THE DATE 🎬✨

Join us for the 5th edition of the European Union Film Festival from 13–16 May 2026 at the Eswatini Theatre Club.

Expect a curated selection of European and Eswatini films that celebrate storytelling, cultural exchange, and shared history. There’s so much to discover, learn from, and be inspired by from powerful narratives to fresh creative voices.

More details on the programme are coming soon. Stay tuned!!

04/05/2026

Lungile Mhlanga | 50 Years of EU–Eswatini Partnership

14/04/2026

⏳ Time is running out!
Applications for the Youth Sounding Board close at 23:59 today.
Be the voice that shapes change.

Apply now before it’s too late:
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/fce75b06-11e3-9992-e150-2a1d2810a8ca