A Historic First for Eswatini
Fourteen young people, two weeks, and one shared mission – to tackle real and pressing water challenges in Eswatini. The 2026 Wetskills Challenge was not only an intense learning experience, but also a historic moment as the programme was hosted in the Kingdom of Eswatini for the very first time.
Eswatini’s economy depends heavily on water, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture. Yet, the country is increasingly facing climate variability, water stress, and ecosystem degradation. Against this backdrop, the Wetskills Challenge, held from 22nd February to 6th March 2026, brought together students and young professionals from Eswatini, South Africa, and the Netherlands to collaboratively develop solutions to real world water challenges.
Photo: A group photo of Young Professionals with water experts – Ciniso Gina
Challenge to Collaboration – Innovation Through Shared Perspectives
Working in diverse teams of four to five, each team was assigned a case based on current water challenges in the country. With guidance from supervisors and case owners, we were tasked with delivering a technical report, a poster, and ultimately pitching our solutions to a jury in just two minutes. The pressure was real, but so was the growth.
What made the programme stand out was its unique, hands-on approach to learning. One of the most memorable experiences was the “Brain Hurricane” session, a fast-paced series of ten-minute engagements with industry experts. In those short bursts, we had to clearly explain our problem and proposed solutions, while absorbing critical feedback. It was both challenging and eye-opening, pushing us to think on our feet and refine our ideas quickly. Another highlight was the innovation round, where teams were reshuffled to allow fresh perspectives. This experience reinforced the value of collaboration, as peers contributed insights that helped shape more locally relevant and practical solutions. It was a reminder that innovation often comes from openness and shared thinking.
Field visits to businesses across different sectors added another layer of depth to the experience. Seeing firsthand how water is used, and sometimes strained within industries helped ground our solutions in reality. For participants from outside Eswatini, these visits were especially valuable in understanding the local context beyond theory.
Throughout the programme, key themes emerged, including shared water responsibility, gaps in policy alignment, new ways to calculate the true value of water for investing in water positive projects, and resilience financing. Engaging with these concepts deepened our understanding of how innovative financial and policy mechanisms can support sustainable water management. More importantly, it showed that solutions must be both environmentally sound and economically viable.
Beyond the technical knowledge, the Wetskills Challenge emphasized something even more important: the power of collaboration. Addressing complex water challenges requires more than expertise, it demands creativity, teamwork, and a willingness to learn from others. It reinforced the idea that water is a shared responsibility, and solving its challenges requires collective action.
Photos: AquaOptimize poster pitching and Brain hurricane exercise – Ciniso Gina
A Timely Opportunity for Youth Empowerment
Hosting the Wetskills Challenge in Eswatini comes at a crucial time. As the country navigates growing water risks, initiatives like this play an important role in empowering young people to contribute to real solutions. There is something powerful about being trusted to engage with real challenges not as observers, but as active problem-solvers.
The experience was both humbling and inspiring. It not only strengthened understanding of water management but also reaffirmed the importance of youth involvement in shaping sustainable futures. With support from the IUCN, through the BRIDGE initiative, Eswatini Youth In Water (EYIW) through Joint River Basin Authority-Project Board (JRBA-PB) made it possible for three young people to be part of this transformative experience. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful discussions on water sustainability. Investments in young professionals like us not only builds individual capacity but also strengthen the collective effort toward a more water-secure future.
Eswatini is on a promising path, and if this experience is anything to go by, the future of water innovation is in capable hands.
Photo: Eswatini Youth In Water members after pitching on final day – Ciniso Gina
Mmakhutso APHANE is a Graduate in Training (Environmentalist) at the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Environment Department) and an active member of Eswatini Youth In Water (EYIW).
Bongumenzi MATSENJWA is an Assistant Extension Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and an active member of Eswatini Youth In Water (EYIW).
Ciniso GINA is a part-time lecturer at the University of Eswatini. He is an active member of Eswatini Youth In Water (EYIW), Eswatini Climate Change Youth Parliament and The Great Global Reconvergence Council Eswatini chapter.
