Ministry of Economic Planning and Development

[SADC PAID INTERNSHIP] The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, SADC Unit would like to inform graduates and young professionals about exciting paid internship opportunities available at the Southern African Development Community SADC

The SADC Secretariat is currently recruiting six (6) interns/graduates across different Directorates and Units under the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme.

The programme will run for a period of 3 to 12 months and is designed to provide participants with valuable practical experience in a professional environment where learning and exposure are the primary objectives.

Successful candidates will be placed at:
📍 SADC Headquarters – Gaborone, Botswana
📍 SADC Plant Genetic Resource Centre – Lusaka, Zambia

📌 Eligibility Criteria:
✔ Citizen of Eswatini
✔ Under the age of 52 years
✔ Must be enrolled or graduated from a registered and accredited institution of higher learning
✔ Studying towards or attained an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification
✔ Must never have been convicted of a crime
✔ Students/trainees must provide proof that the WIL programme forms part of their academic programme and contributes towards compulsory continuous assessment prior to graduation
✔ Graduates must have completed their qualification at least one year before enrolling into the SADC WIL Programme

📌 Internship/WIL Positions Available:

1. Communication and Public Relations – Media Production Graduate
2. Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources – Environmental Science Graduate
3. Gender – Gender Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Graduate
4. Infrastructure – Cybersecurity Intern
5. Procurement Ex-Ante Intern
6. SADC Plant Genetic Resource Centre – Procurement & Administration Intern

📌 Application Requirements:
(a) Cover letter stating the internship/graduate stream desired
(b) Copy of national identity document
(c) Curriculum Vitae (CV)
(d) Recommendation letter from institution of higher learning (for students/trainees)
(e) Certified copy of academic record and certificate (for undergraduate and postgraduate certificate holders)

🗓 Closing Date for Applications: 22 June 2026

📧 Applications should be submitted to:[email protected]
and [email protected]

Young people are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to gain regional exposure and professional experience.

[PHOTOS] The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Thabsile Mlangeni, today officially welcomed ten (10) students from Engineers in Action (EIA) during a courtesy meeting held at the ministry’s new offices, the former SASSCO Building in Mbabane.

The students are in the country to support the construction of the Lokhwishi Suspension Footbridge in Entfonjeni Inkhundla, Kandwandwa Community, Hhohho Region.

The project is aimed at improving safe access and connectivity for the local community, with construction expected to commence this coming monday.

Welcoming the students, the Principal Secretary expressed Government’s appreciation for the continued partnership and contribution made by Engineers in Action towards the country’s development agenda.
“On behalf of the Government of Eswatini and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you and express our sincere appreciation for your support and contribution to the development of this country,” said Thabsile Mlangeni. She further commended the spirit of commitment demonstrated by the students and encouraged them to embrace the experience of working with communities while contributing to impactful and sustainable development initiatives.

Speaking during the meeting, the Project Manager from Engineers in Action, Ana Jovakovic, thanked the Principal Secretary for consistently making time to personally welcome EIA students despite her demanding schedule. She also acknowledged the Ministry’s ongoing support and collaboration in facilitating community development projects across the country.

Present at the meeting was the Director of Microprojects Programme Sibusiso Mbingo. The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development continues to work closely with development partners and stakeholders to improve the livelihoods of emaSwati through strategic and community-centred infrastructure projects.



COURTESY OF MELISSA MNISI & OWETHU MAVUSO (MEPD Multi-media Unit)

📍The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development has relocated.

[PHOTOS] The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD), through the Microprojects Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training and in partnership with Engineers in Action , officially launched the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project at Ngwazini Primary School under the Kukhanyeni Inkhundla.

The project aims to improve access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities at the school, contributing towards a healthier, safer, and more conducive learning environment for learners, teachers, and the surrounding community.

Speaking during the launch, Member of Parliament for Kukhanyeni Inkhundla Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Apollo Maphalala, commended the partnership between the Microprojects Programme and Engineers in Action for implementing impactful development initiatives that directly benefit communities. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing challenges related to water and sanitation in schools.

Ngwazini Primary School Headteacher, Sthembiso Mahazule, highlighted the challenges previously faced by the school due to water shortages. He explained that the lack of reliable water supply negatively affected sanitation, daily school activities, and the wellbeing of learners and teachers. Mahazule expressed gratitude for the project, noting that it will greatly improve the school environment and restore dignity to learners.

Development Officer, Mduduzi Mdluli, explained that the visit to Ngwazini Inkhundla was aimed at officially launching the WASH Project and engaging stakeholders on the importance of sustainable development initiatives within communities. He further noted that the project reflects the commitment of the Microprojects Programme towards improving livelihoods and supporting community development through strategic partnerships.

The collaboration between the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, the Ministry of Education and Training, and Engineers in Action demonstrates Government’s continued commitment to improving education infrastructure, enhancing public health, and promoting sustainable development across the country.



COURTESY OF OWETHU MAVUSO & PHESHEYA MABASO (MEPD Multi-media Unit)

This Men’s Health Awareness Month, the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development stands with all men in breaking the silence around mental health.

​Carrying the weight of the world alone isn't a requirement of strength. Reaching out, talking to someone, and seeking support is where real bravery lies.

​Check in on your brothers, your fathers, your sons, and yourself. It's time to speak.

​

COURTESY OF MELISSA MNISI & OLWETHU MBULI (MEPD Multi-media Unit)

[ECONOMIC BULLETIN] The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development,
Macroeconomic Analysis and Research Unit has
Compiled and produced the 2026Q1 Economic Bulletin .

The following are some of the 2026Q1 Economic Bulletin highlights :

- The global economy is once again facing a precarious situation, driven by rising tensions in the Middle East and dimming growth prospects.

- Private sector credit increased by 3.3%, with businesses recording a 6.9% increase.

- A trade deficit was recorded in the review period, as imports outpaced exports. Exports=E10.045B; Imports=E10.065B

Here’s what it means in very simple terms for every Eswatini citizen:

✅ Our Economy is Growing Strong
Eswatini’s economy grew by 5.7% in the last quarter of 2025. This shows resilience — our country is still moving forward despite world challenges.

✅ Prices are Stable
Inflation is low at 1.9%. The cost of living didn’t rise much. Food prices and housing & utilities stayed calm.

✅ More Support for Businesses
Private sector credit increased by 3.3%. Businesses borrowed 6.9% more — especially in manufacturing and construction. This is good for creating jobs and growing the economy.

✅ Our Lilangeni is Stronger
Our currency (Lilangeni) gained value against the US Dollar, British Pound, and Euro.

⚠️ Some Challenges
- We had a small trade deficit (imports were slightly higher than exports).
- The situation in the Middle East is creating uncertainty that could affect us.

Overall Bulletin:
Our domestic economy showed resilience even with global difficulties. We are doing well and remain hopeful for the future.

The Full bulletin is available on the government website.
To access it click the following link :

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lzVt582A73Y-ExP3rxM998e5YwWDqif5/view?usp=sharing



&Development

Analysis & ResearchUnit