BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – The journey of transforming an idea into a global digital solution begins with innovation, determination and the courage to explore new possibilities.
For ICT practitioner and Crazy 8 Electronic Gaming Sports founder Sakhile Mamba, Eswatini’s growing technology sector holds immense potential to address youth unemployment by unlocking opportunities in the fast-growing global electronic gaming and software development industry.
Mamba shared his vision of building a stronger digital economy in Eswatini during an interview on the Kusile Breakfast Show on Eswatini TV on Friday, July 10, 2026, where he highlighted how young emaSwati can use technology to create locally developed solutions with global appeal.
Through his locally developed electronic gaming sports platform, Crazy 8, Mamba aims to position Eswatini among countries that are not only consumers of digital products but also creators of innovative technology solutions.
He said the global gaming industry, which is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, presents a significant opportunity for Eswatini’s youth to participate in a sector that continues to expand worldwide.
“Most of the games being used in Africa today are not developed here. Many operators rely on games created overseas. This means there is a gap and an opportunity for African developers, including emaSwati, to create solutions that we own,” said Mamba.
He explained that while Eswatini’s electronic gaming and software development sector is still at an early stage, the country already has important foundations needed to participate in the digital economy.
Mamba highlighted the availability of internet infrastructure, local universities producing computer science graduates and the increasing interest among young people to pursue careers in technology as key advantages for the country.
He, however, stressed that success in the technology sector requires commitment, discipline and patience.
“The infrastructure and knowledge are there, but young people need to commit themselves. Technology requires patience, continuous learning and passion. You cannot expect to build a major solution overnight,” he said.
Mamba also shared the realities of building a technology startup, revealing that limited capital has forced him to take on multiple responsibilities in developing and managing the platform.
He said he currently handles various roles, including software development, market research, system deployment, cloud computing and operations.
“Because of limited capital, I have had to do many things on my own. If there was funding available, I would immediately bring in other young emaSwati developers because that would create employment opportunities,” said Mamba.
He emphasised that access to technology resources remains crucial for young people who want to enter the digital space.
Speaking about initiatives aimed at increasing access to computers and free internet connectivity in communities, Mamba said such programmes could help remove barriers faced by aspiring developers.
“A computer and internet connection are essential. Everything a developer needs to learn is available online. Once young people have access to these tools, the possibilities become much greater,” he said.
He encouraged young people interested in technology to remain patient and dedicated, noting that developing skills and creating successful products requires time.
“Technology is not an overnight success. It takes time to learn the basics, build projects and eventually create something that can become a business,” he said.
Mamba also called for a stronger investment culture to support technology startups in Eswatini, saying innovators require financial support to transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
He explained that technology entrepreneurs face various costs, including software development, cloud hosting, marketing and maintaining reliable digital platforms.
“In technology, an idea alone is not enough. Developers need resources to build, host, market and grow their products. Without that support, even great ideas struggle to reach the market,” he said.
Mamba noted that countries with successful technology ecosystems have benefited from strong venture capital networks, mentorship programmes and innovation support structures.
He said Eswatini has an opportunity to strengthen its startup ecosystem by creating an environment where young innovators can access the resources needed to scale their solutions.
Reflecting on the role of the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), Mamba acknowledged the institution’s efforts in supporting local innovators through incubation programmes.
He encouraged further strengthening of incubation models by adopting global best practices that help startups move beyond local markets and compete internationally.
Mamba referenced Y Combinator, which has supported global companies such as Airbnb and Stripe, as examples of how structured support can help transform innovative ideas into successful businesses.
He said local innovators should be encouraged to think beyond Eswatini’s borders and develop solutions capable of competing in international markets.
Crazy 8 Electronic Gaming Sports features competitive tournaments and locally inspired gaming experiences, including Crazy 8, casino games and Draft, a board game popular among emaSwati.
Members of the public can access the platform online at CRAZY8.LIVE, where users can explore its gaming features, participate in competitive tournaments and experience locally developed digital entertainment content.
Through Crazy 8, Mamba hopes to demonstrate that technology can become a powerful driver of youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, job creation and economic growth in Eswatini.
(Courtesy Pic)
#EswatiniDigitalTransformation #YouthInnovation #ICTEswatini #GamingTechnology #DigitalEconomy #EswatiniPositiveNews
