By Tandzile Dlamini
MBABANE – Eswatini Senators began a two-day Artificial Intelligence (AI) training workshop today 22 July 2025, at Emafini Country Lodge, aimed at equipping lawmakers with essential digital skills to enhance governance, legislation, and national development.
The workshop, themed “Empowering Eswatini’s Politicians: AI for Governance and Economic Prosperity,” is facilitated by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (MICT) in partnership with the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP). It follows a similar session held earlier this year for Members of Parliament.
The Minister of ICT, Honourable Savannah Maziya, is currently abroad on official duties and was represented by Minister of Tinkhundla, Skhumbuzo Dlamini, who officially opened the workshop. He expressed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that Eswatini not only keeps pace with global digital advancements but also leads in the responsible and ethical adoption of AI.
“This workshop marks a significant step in our journey toward a knowledge-based economy. Through this initiative and others like the AI Indaba 2024 and the Digital Transformation Youth Summit 2025, we are building a foundation for digitally empowered governance,” said Dlamini.
The training is conducted by the newly established AI Research Group at RSTP’s School of Advanced IT, and is specifically tailored to meet the needs of Eswatini’s Senators.
According to RSTP Acting CEO Nomvula Gulwako, the objectives of the workshop include:
- Introducing the fundamentals of AI, including its opportunities and risks;
- Exploring how AI can support parliamentary research, public engagement, and policy analysis;
- Demonstrating AI tools like NotebookLM and ChatGPT;
- Teaching AI prompt engineering, to improve interaction with AI systems;
- Highlighting the benefits and risks of AI for Eswatini;
- Discussing ethical AI principles for policymakers;
- Outlining an AI pilot and national roadmap aligned with Eswatini’s broader digital transformation agenda;
- And laying the groundwork for an AI-ready e-Parliament.
“Think of AI not as a magic wand, but as a compass that helps us navigate complex decisions. AI can guide our work as Senators, helping us better serve the nation with informed policies and responsive leadership,” said Gulwako.
The workshop also aligns with the government’s “Government in Your Hand” strategy, which focuses on digital skills development and improving public service delivery through technology.
Senators were encouraged to actively engage, ask questions, and contribute their perspectives, as the workshop also aims to prepare them to participate in future AI-related legislation and oversight.The program continues tomorrow with more hands-on sessions and discussions led by AI specialists from RSTP.
