BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – A total of 314 tertiary students explored machine learning during the two-day Indaba X Eswatini 2026 held at the Central Bank of Eswatini headquarters in Ezulwini on September 23 and 24, gaining practical exposure to emerging technology and its application in addressing real-world challenges.
The participants comprised 163 males and 151 females, with tertiary students from Eswatini joined by students from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) in South Africa.
Held under the theme “Ensemble Machine Learning for Resilient Decision-Making in Eswatini”, the event brought together students, young innovators, researchers, industry representatives and other technology enthusiasts for learning, knowledge-sharing and practical demonstrations.
The two-day programme focused on introducing participants to machine learning while creating a platform for young people to demonstrate how the technology can be applied to challenges affecting different sectors.
The first day concluded with presentations by eight students who showcased practical case studies demonstrating the application of machine learning.
The projects ranged from web-based business profiling and cash-flow verification for entrepreneurs to deep-learning applications for diagnosing cattle skin disease.
The presentations provided examples of how machine learning can be applied to business, entrepreneurship and agriculture, while giving students an opportunity to demonstrate their technical knowledge through practical solutions.
On the second and final day, students and young innovators were taken through the basics of machine learning, building on the knowledge and demonstrations from the opening day.
The programme also encouraged participants to consider how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be adapted to respond to local and African challenges, rather than simply using the technology for basic applications.
Central Bank of Eswatini Governor Phil Mnisi, who addressed participants during the event, encouraged young people to pursue science, technology and innovation careers with passion and determination.
The event further provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between young innovators, academia and other stakeholders, with the broader aim of strengthening the link between research, technology and practical solutions.
Among the stakeholders involved in the wider Indaba X ecosystem were the University of Eswatini, Eswatini Communications Commission, Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Eswatini Revenue Service, Deep Learning Consortium, Seeing Africa, Namibia University of Science and Technology, University of Zimbabwe and AI Eswatini, among others.
With 314 tertiary students participating and eight students presenting practical applications, the two-day engagement gave young people an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of machine learning while demonstrating its potential to support resilient decision-making in Eswatini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
