BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– While thousands of people continue to explore business opportunities, products and innovation at the ongoing 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), another important investment in the country’s future is taking place at Pavilion 5 — equipping EmaSwati with the digital skills needed for tomorrow’s economy.
On Day 5 of the Digital Skills Workshop Series, the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology brought together experts in technology, academia and the digital space to expose visitors to practical opportunities in careers, coding, software development, content creation and digital marketing.
The sessions form part of activities at the ongoing EITF, which started on August 28 and runs until September 6 at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.
The programme sent a strong message to visitors: Eswatini’s digital transformation will require more than access to technology — it will require people with the skills and confidence to use technology to create opportunities and solve problems.
University of Eswatini Computer Science Lecturer Lucky Sithole focused on careers in the digital economy, exploring the growing opportunities available as technology continues to transform industries and redefine the world of work.
In a message reflecting the focus of his presentation, Sithole emphasised the importance of preparing young people for an economy where digital knowledge is becoming increasingly valuable.
“The digital economy is creating new opportunities, and young people must prepare themselves with the right skills to take advantage of them. Technology is changing the way we work, and those who are willing to learn and adapt will be better positioned for the opportunities ahead,” he said.
Sithole encouraged participants to look beyond traditional career paths and recognise the growing possibilities within technology, innovation and digital services.
The spotlight then shifted to coding and software development, where RSTP Lecturer Patrick Lokotfwako explored opportunities available through Coders Eswatini and the Royal Science and Technology Park.
The session highlighted the importance of developing the next generation of creators and innovators who can use technology to develop solutions for real challenges.
“We must move beyond simply consuming technology and begin creating it. Coding and software development give young people the ability to turn ideas into solutions, and those solutions can become businesses, careers and innovations that make a difference,” Lokotfwako said.
He highlighted coding as a practical skill capable of opening doors to employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The digital conversation continued with Philani Mpanza, who presented on content creation and digital marketing, highlighting the growing power of digital platforms in today’s economy.
Mpanza explored how individuals and businesses can use digital content strategically to reach audiences, promote products and services and build brands.
“Digital platforms have created opportunities that did not exist before. With the right content, creativity and strategy, people can build audiences, grow businesses and create opportunities for themselves through the digital space,” Mpanza said.
His presentation highlighted the changing nature of communication and business, where a strong digital presence can increasingly become an important tool for growth.
Throughout the Day 5 programme, visitors were given an opportunity to learn, engage and gain practical insights into some of the skills shaping the modern economy.
From understanding career pathways in technology to learning about coding, software development, content creation and digital marketing, the sessions demonstrated the wide range of opportunities available to EmaSwati willing to invest in their skills.
The workshop series also reinforced the importance of ensuring that young people are not left behind as Eswatini advances its digital transformation agenda.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, technology enthusiasts and young people searching for new career opportunities, Pavilion 5 became a space where ideas met possibilities and digital ambitions were given direction.
As the EITF continues to bring together businesses, institutions, innovators and members of the public, the Digital Skills Workshop Series is adding another important dimension to the event — empowering EmaSwati to prepare for a future increasingly shaped by technology.
The message from Pavilion 5 was clear: digital skills are no longer simply an advantage — they are becoming an important pathway to participation, innovation and opportunity.
By building skills today, EmaSwati are preparing not only for the jobs of tomorrow but also for the opportunity to create the future they want.
