BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – The Eswatini Post and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) has emerged as the leading corporate supporter of the inaugural African Union (AU) Seed Summit, pledging E331 000 towards internet services for the high-level event.
The summit is scheduled to take place from October 5 to 7 at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC), Ezulwini Palazzo, bringing together agriculture ministers, government officials, delegates and representatives of international organisations.
Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka revealed that EPTC had committed to covering the summit’s internet requirements, with the pledge matching the E331 000 allocated for internet boosting in the government’s budget for the event.
“EPTC is currently the leading company when it comes to pledges for the Seed Summit. They have pledged to cater for all internet needs of the summit at the approximate value of E331 000,” said Tshawuka.
The minister was speaking as government continues efforts to mobilise support from the private sector towards hosting the historic summit, which will be held in Eswatini for the first time.
Tshawuka said most companies that had been invited to a pledges meeting scheduled for September 28 at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini could not attend because they had received the invitation at short notice.
As a result, the pledges meeting has been indefinitely postponed.
The minister said a new date would be announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, when companies that have expressed interest in supporting the summit are expected to formally unveil their pledges.
Despite the postponement, Tshawuka said companies would continue supporting the summit after receiving the necessary information on how they could transfer their pledged funds into the designated bank account.
The government has budgeted approximately E10.7 million for hosting the summit.
According to the budget, E331 000 has been set aside for internet boosting, while other major costs include E3.218 million for lunches and teas, E2.125 million for transport for ministers, E1.908 million for branding, publicity and visibility, and E1.5 million for the gala dinner.
Tshawuka said the private-sector contribution was important in helping government meet the costs associated with hosting the international gathering.
The summit is expected to attract agriculture ministers from across Africa, with 23 ministers already having confirmed their attendance at the time of the minister’s earlier briefing.
Other delegates, foreign affairs ministers and representatives of international organisations are also expected to attend.
Tshawuka said the summit presented an opportunity for Eswatini to showcase its capacity to host major international events while creating potential benefits for tourism, agriculture and the wider economy.
He said the influx of delegates could also create opportunities for local producers to access new markets.
With EPTC’s E331 000 commitment now identified as the leading pledge, government is continuing its engagement with companies as preparations intensify ahead of the October summit.
The minister said the hosting of the AU Seed Summit required a whole-of-the-nation approach, urging stakeholders to work together to ensure the event succeeds.
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