BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE— Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Savannah Maziya says Eswatini must stop viewing itself as a landlocked country and instead embrace its position as a digitally connected and land linked economy ready to compete on the global stage.
Maziya made the remarks during the official launch of the Startup World Cup Eswatini 2026 held at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) in Nokwane on 11 May 2026, where government unveiled plans aimed at positioning the country as a competitive innovation and digital investment hub.
She said Eswatini’s small size should not be seen as a weakness but as an advantage that allows the country to move faster and adapt quickly within the growing global digital economy. “We are no longer looking at ourselves as landlocked. We are land linked and digitally connected to the world,” said Maziya.
The minister said the country’s youthful population remains one of its biggest advantages, with over 70% of emaSwati under the age of 35. She said young people are already showing interest in entrepreneurship and innovation despite high unemployment levels. “Young people are not waiting to be rescued. They are ready to build, innovate and create opportunities for themselves and for others,” she said.
Maziya said government continues to invest in digital infrastructure, startup incubation, digital skills and partnerships with global technology leaders to ensure emaSwati participate fully in the future economy. She said the Startup World Cup will give local entrepreneurs exposure to global investors, mentorship opportunities and international markets.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of RSTP Madoda Mdziniso described the launch as a defining moment for Eswatini’s innovation ecosystem, saying the initiative proves the country is capable of competing and leading in the innovation space despite its size. Mdziniso encouraged local innovators to believe in their ideas and use the platform to transform local solutions into businesses with global impact.
The Director of the Research, Science, Technology and Innovation Department said innovation remains key to economic growth and prosperity. He said Eswatini’s goal is to build a sustainable knowledge based economy that can thrive in the digital world.
The partnership between RSTP and Pegasus Tech Ventures was praised for opening doors for local startups to compete on one of the world’s biggest innovation platforms in Silicon Valley. The Startup World Cup Eswatini 2026 is expected to connect local innovators with global networks and investment opportunities while promoting entrepreneurship among young people.
(Courtesy Pics)
