By PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – The youth of Eswatini aren’t just waiting for the future — they’re signing up to shape it.
That’s the message coming out of Stratcom, after more than 140 young people under 35 secured free passes to the highly anticipated AI & Digital Transformation Summit 2025.
With only 60 passes remaining of the 200 available, the summit’s organisers are urging the rest of the Kingdom’s eager youth to act fast before the free spots vanish.
The excitement surrounding the summit isn’t just about the event — it’s about what it represents: Eswatini’s digital future, led by the youth.
Sibusiso Mngadi, the CEO of Stratcom, expressed his excitement about the rapid pace of registrations, noting how it demonstrates the youth’s deep interest in the digital revolution.
“We’re thrilled by how quickly young people have registered. It shows they’re not just curious — they’re ready to lead,” Mngadi said, highlighting that the enthusiasm shown has far exceeded expectations.
Once the complimentary passes are gone, early bird tickets will be available for E1,500 until May 30. After that, prices will rise to E2,250, with VIP passes offering exclusive benefits for E2,750.
Scheduled for July 15–17, 2025, at the Mavuso Trade Centre in Manzini, the summit promises an impressive lineup of over 20 speakers, both local and international.
Notable speakers include Musa Kalenga, CEO of Brave Group, and Talifhani Banks, founder of Spaza Eats, alongside Professor Sandile Motsa and Dr. Rejoice Maseko — all set to discuss how AI and digital transformation can solve Africa’s unique challenges.
But the buzz didn’t start with the registrations. The event was officially announced during Stratcom’s one-year anniversary celebration at Mountain View, where the company’s remarkable growth over the past year was showcased.
Ntokozo Mngadi, the COO, spoke about how the company had rapidly evolved into a leader in digital marketing and AI solutions, while CEO Sibusiso Mngadi took the stage to reflect on his personal journey. From moments of self-doubt to the triumph of seeing Stratcom thrive, Mngadi credited the company’s success to a mix of passion, resilience, and the support of his team — and notably, his daughter, Ntokozo.
“The journey wasn’t easy,” Mngadi confessed, “but we’ve built something incredible, and I’m grateful to everyone who has believed in the vision.” He also expressed deep appreciation for the Ministry of ICT’s role in fostering a conducive environment for digital growth in Eswatini.
One of the highlights of the anniversary event was the introduction of the Agribusiness Media app, developed in collaboration with Kwanele Mdlovu, a talented IT student from Limkokwing University. The app is designed to empower farmers and agribusiness stakeholders with reliable, real-time agricultural information, which Mdlovu said would transform the agribusiness sector and help improve livelihoods across the Kingdom.
“I’m excited to contribute to the growth of Eswatini’s agribusiness community through this app. It’s all about using technology to make a tangible difference,” Mdlovu said.
With the AI & Digital Transformation Summit scheduled to take place in July 2025, Stratcom has already marked this as a defining moment in the Kingdom’s digital landscape.
The summit will serve as a key platform for entrepreneurs, developers, educators, and business leaders to discuss AI’s potential and how it can drive sustainable, transformative change across Eswatini and the continent.
Mngadi emphasized the importance of youth participation in this journey, stating that young people, particularly those aged 35 and below, would have the chance to register for free. “We want to empower young people. This summit is theirs to own, to shape, and to lead. The future of Eswatini is in their hands,” he said.
The event is officially backed by EIPA, UNESCO Eswatini, and the Ministry of ICT, marking it as a strategic initiative in line with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision for 2025 as the Year of Transformation. Mngadi believes that the summit represents more than just an event — it’s part of a larger push to turn Eswatini into a digital-first economy.
“We’re focused on partnerships and collaboration. It’s not just about talking; it’s about execution,” he said. “We believe AI will help us not just catch up but lead. And this summit is just the beginning.”
For those interested in attending, registration is still open at summit.stratcomeswatini.com. For more details, Summit Coordinator Philani Mpanza and Mngadi are available for media inquiries.
As the countdown begins, the enthusiasm among Eswatini’s youth is palpable — and the message is clear: the digital future of Eswatini is already being written, and the youth are leading the charge.
