Kwaluseni – Macmillan Education Eswatini says investment in science and innovation among young people is a necessary response to the growing youth unemployment crisis and changing demands of the education sector.
Speaking at the Macmillan–RSTP STEM Expo held at the UNESWA Sports Emporium on Friday, Acting Managing Director Sibusiso Simelane said the company has committed E222 000 this year alone to support STEM activities across the country.
The event brought together learners, educators, policymakers, and development partners under one roof, with over 1 100 learners from rural and urban schools showcasing science and technology projects developed as part of National Science Week and the STEM Expo.
Simelane noted that the unemployment rate among emaSwati aged 15 to 24 stands at around 59.1 percent, calling it a serious challenge that requires coordinated and long-term solutions. He said Macmillan’s continued investment in STEM is aimed at equipping young people with practical skills that can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment.
He also announced that the company is preparing to launch its new digital learning platform, Macmillan Education Everywhere (MEE), which has been piloted at Mandvulo and Sydney Williams Primary Schools over a three-year period. The platform, which features offline functionality, eBooks, multimedia content, and AI-powered learning tools, will allow teachers and parents to engage more meaningfully in learners’ education.
Simelane said Macmillan is shifting beyond textbook publishing to support hands-on learning and skills development both within schools and for out-of-school youth. He added that many young people thrive through practical engagement, as demonstrated by the quality of projects at this year’s Expo.
Macmillan’s partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of ICT, and educators has been central to this work, and Simelane encouraged continued collaboration to strengthen Eswatini’s knowledge economy.
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