LocationsStandard Bank Opens New Career Pathways for Graduate Interns
July 15, 2026
Graduate interns pose with Standard Bank Exco, Government Representatives and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Henrik Franklin.
The journey of 18 young graduates who have spent the past six months at Standard Bank Eswatini under the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) has been one of growth, learning and transformation as they celebrated the successful completion of their internship programme.
Funded by the Government of Eswatini through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development and implemented with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), EYEP creates opportunities for unemployed graduates to gain practical work experience through placements in the private sector, government and development institutions.
The programme equips young people with the skills, confidence and workplace experience needed to improve their employability and transition into meaningful careers.
Graduate intern making her presentation.
Personal and professional transformation
The graduates reflected on their experiences during an offboarding event held at the UN House on 15 July, where they shared personal stories of professional growth with representatives from Government, Standard Bank, UNDP and other stakeholders.
Through presentations, the interns highlighted how the programme had strengthened their technical competencies, confidence, teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities while exposing them to the realities of the corporate environment. Many described the internship as a life-changing experience that enabled them to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting while developing the confidence to pursue future career opportunities.
Speaking during the event, Standard Bank Head of People and Culture, Ms Bongiwe Hlophe, described the internship as more than a work experience programme, saying it is an investment in Eswatini's future workforce and a demonstration of what can be achieved through strong partnerships between Government, development partners and the private sector.
She said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to addressing youth unemployment, developing critical skills and creating pathways to sustainable careers.
Hlophe revealed that Standard Bank had initially welcomed 19 interns through the programme, four of whom had already secured permanent employment opportunities with other organisations – an outcome she described as evidence that the programme is producing work-ready graduates who are in demand. To ensure more young people benefited, the bank subsequently recruited three replacement interns.
Building on the success of the internship, Standard Bank announced that eight graduates from the current cohort will be selected to join its Graduate-in-Training (GIT) Programme, which begins in August 2026. The selection will be based on both the interns' presentations during the offboarding event and their performance over the past six months.
The one-year programme will expose the graduates to a strategic, bank-wide initiative focused on improving policies, processes and operational excellence. It will also provide them with valuable experience across multiple business functions while developing their leadership, stakeholder management and strategic thinking skills.
“At Standard Bank, we believe that Africa's greatest asset is its people, and particularly its young people,” said Hlophe, adding: “When we invest in youth, we invest in the future prosperity of our country and our continent – Eswatini is our Home we Drive Her Growth.”
Graduate intern making his presentation.
Call for more support to youth programme
Speaking at the same event, UNDP Resident Representative Mr Henrik Franklin thanked Standard Bank for providing young graduates with an environment in which they could learn, grow and prepare for the world of work.
He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development for its continued investment in empowering young people through EYEP and encouraged more organisations to partner with the programme to help expand opportunities for Eswatini's youth.
Franklin said youth unemployment remains one of Eswatini's most pressing development challenges and called on the private sector to play a greater role in creating opportunities for young people.
"Open your workplaces to interns. Invest in graduate traineeships. Create mentorship opportunities. Provide pathways for young people to acquire practical experience. The potential is there; what is often missing is the opportunity to demonstrate it,” he said.
He also commended the graduates for their commitment and resilience throughout the programme, encouraging them to continue embracing lifelong learning and to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.
The event was characterised by an interactive engagement in which Franklin, Hlophe and Standard Bank Chief Executive, Mr Mvuselelo Fakudze, questioned the graduates on their presentations and reflected on their personal and professional growth over the past six months.
The discussion offered valuable insights into the impact of the programme while reaffirming the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful pathways to employment for Eswatini's young people.