Poster presentation and Pitch practice
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Wetskills-Eswatini (Mbabane) 2026
February 22, 2026 - March 6, 2026
The first 2026 Wetskills: for the first time to Eswatini!
Eswatini stands at a pivotal moment in its water future. Although the country benefits from strong river systems and vital shared basins, communities and utilities increasingly face pressures from climate variability, recurring droughts, population growth, aging infrastructure, and rising demand for safe and reliable water services. Rural areas still struggle with access, while urban centres face challenges linked to leaks, non-revenue water, and the need for more resilient, adaptive water management.
This creates the perfect environment and moment for the first-ever Wetskills Eswatini. Young talents (both young professionals and students) come together to co-create fresh solutions, explore smart technologies, strengthen community engagement, and contribute to a more water-secure future for the Kingdom of Eswatini.
From 22 February to 6 March 2026, participants from Eswatini, the SADC region, and around the world will work in mixed teams on real-life cases from water utilities, knowledge institutes, private companies, and NGOs. The program will combine field visits, teamwork, cultural exchange, and the exciting finals event in Mbabane. This Wetskills programme is in close cooperation with the Joint River Basin Authorities – Project Board in Eswatini and the Blue Deal (Eswatini) programme.
Are you a Young Professional or student with a passion for water and sustainability? Always wanted to work in a diverse team on water challenges in Eswatini and Southern Africa? The Wetskills Foundation extends a warm invitation to Bachelor, Master, PhD students, recent graduates, and young professionals who are enthusiastic about water, climate, and sustainability to apply for the Wetskills Challenge taking place in Mbabane. In a world where water issues are more crucial than ever due to persistent droughts, floods, and water quality issues, your innovative solutions to pressing Southern African water challenges are urgently required. Seize this unique opportunity, come on board and apply now (use the link on the right).
Wetskills-Eswatini 2026 promises energy, innovation, and new cross-border collaborations. Case owners, partners, and participants: join us and be part of shaping the water-smart future of Eswatini and the wider SADC!
Voices of Impact: South African Alumni Share Inspiring Insights on Wetskills Experience
Event info
Deadline for registrations: 12 January 2026
After this deadline, every week a selection of the new applications is made until the program is full.
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Joining this Wetskills Event – What do you get?
A unique learning experience where you will tackle real-life water challenges with your team!
- You will develop expertise in international cooperation, problem-solving, cross-cultural understanding, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
- You will hone your networking and presentation abilities through pitch and poster sessions
- You will get the opportunity to connect with other international and regional water students/young professionals.
- You will immerse yourself in the city of Mbabane exploring water-related sites in the city and rural areas and engaging with local water professionals.
- You will learn and deepen your understanding of the water sector in Eswatini as part of the SADC region, gaining insights into key stakeholders, organisations, contemporary issues, and existing business opportunities.
- Upon program completion, receive a certificate of participation, officially joining the ranks of over 1550 Wetskills Alumni.
More information
For additional information regarding participation and other details, please contact Ntombikayise Dhladhla (ntombikayise.dhladhla@wetskills.com, especially for Eswatini candidates), Craig Tinashe Tanyanyiwa (craig.tinashe@wetskills.com), or Johan Oost (johan.oost@wetskills.com).
Registration
Registration deadline: 5 January 2026
After this deadline, every week a selection of the new applications is made until the program is full.
Who can apply?
Any Young Water Professionals (up to 5 years of working experience) and Bachelor (last year), Master or PhD students and recent graduates with a passion for water and intercultural teamwork from Zimbabwe, Southern Africa and beyond with a passion for water & sustainability and intercultural teamwork.
How can I apply?
Prepare a motivation letter and resume, click here, fill out the online application form and submit it.
Selection criteria
The Wetskills Team will make a final selection among applications received, based on quality of motivation & resume. We also consider a good diversity of the whole group (incl. backgrounds, local/international, gender balance, etc.).
Costs
The participation fee for the Wetskills program is €450* (excluding VAT, applicable only in Europe). This fee covers accommodation (in a hostel, with shared rooms), team-building activities, some, but not all, lunches and dinners, field trips, workshops, and working facilities. Participants are also responsible for their travel expenses (such as plane tickets and local transportation), meals on working days, and other personal costs.
Note: Wetskills Foundation and partners strive to lower costs for local participants, contact us for options. In previous Wetskills editions, participants have successfully secured financial support for their Wetskills participation from their universities or employers, utilizing resources like mobility funds, travel allowances, training budgets, etc.
Event Cases
Wetskills Foundation and partners invite businesses, governments, knowledge institutes and NGOs to formulate one of the Challenges – for this event or another event – and support the Wetskills programme. Join us in this great next experience! For more information contact Johan Oost (Wetskills Foundation) (johan.oost@wetskills.com).
Case 1:
Case owner: Blue Deal Eswatini
More information at a later stage
Case 2:
Case owner:
More information at a later stage
Case 3:
Case owner:
More information at a later stage
Case 4:
Case owner:
More information at a later stage
Event Partners
Learn more about Wetskills: Event Blogs by Alumni
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