In the bustling classrooms of Ekukhanyeni High School, a group of students huddle together, crunching numbers, drafting budgets and debating how best to turn their small ideas into thriving businesses.
Among them is 17-year-old Temantolo Fakudze, who proudly declares:
“Before this programme, I didn’t even know how to save properly. Now I’m running a small poultry project at home and my dream is to expand it into a business that can employ other young people in my community.”
Temantolo’s story is one of many testimonies that reflect the success of a unique partnership between the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Junior Achievement (JA) Eswatini, and the Taiwan Embassy.
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At the heart of this collaboration lies a bold objective: to strengthen financial literacy among the youth of Eswatini.
Closing the Financial Literacy Gap
For years, financial literacy had been a missing link in the empowerment of young people in Eswatini. Many school leavers stepped into the world without the necessary skills to manage money, save, or plan businesses.
Recognising this gap, the Ministry, with the support of Taiwan, joined forces with JA Eswatini to roll out nationwide financial literacy programmes that have since become a pillar of youth empowerment.
Beyond Theory: Practical Skills & Competitions
The initiative has gone beyond classroom theory. Through:
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Hands-on projects
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Business simulations
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Savings competitions
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Entrepreneurship bootcamps
…students are now gaining practical financial skills that shape their futures.
Events such as the Financial Literacy Fair and the National Company of the Year Competitions have given young people a platform to showcase entrepreneurial abilities.
In 2023, for example, Vulamasango High School impressed the nation with an eco-friendly packaging project inspired by lessons from the programme.
Transforming Mindsets
Another shining star, Sibusiso Mamba, a university freshman, recalls how the programme reshaped his thinking:
“I used to think business was for people who already had money. JA taught me that even with E50, you can start something small and grow it. Today, I run a small car-wash business on campus and I have plans to expand.”
Taiwan’s Role in Youth Empowerment
The Taiwan Embassy has played a crucial role—not only financially but also symbolically.
At various events, Taiwan’s ambassador has stressed that investing in youth financial literacy is investing in Eswatini’s future.
National Development Vision
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development has integrated the programme into its national development agenda, noting that:
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Financially literate youth are less likely to fall into debt and unemployment.
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They are more likely to innovate and drive economic growth.
Minister Dr. Tambo Gina emphasised:
“This partnership is not just about teaching numbers. It is about teaching life—equipping our young people with tools that will help them make informed decisions, create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
The Future
As JA Eswatini and its partners expand the programme, results are clear: more students are leaving school with the confidence to manage finances, start businesses, and plan for their futures.
Back in Ekukhanyeni, Temantolo beams with hope:
“One day, I want to be counted among the successful businesswomen of Eswatini. Thanks to this programme, I now believe it is possible.”
Indeed, this strategic partnership is not just changing lives, it is shaping the destiny of a nation, one financially literate youth at a time.
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