BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MATSAPHA– The Government of Japan has committed USD 693,333 (about E12 million) towards transforming King Mswati III International Airport into a greener, smarter and more competitive aviation hub.
This move is aimed at strengthening Eswatini’s trade, logistics and economic development.
The funding, announced during the signing ceremony of the Japan–Eswatini Green and Digital Transformation (GX-DX) Demonstration Project at the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) offices on Tuesday, will finance the installation of renewable energy systems and smart logistics technologies designed to modernise airport operations while reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.
The project is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe described the initiative as a major milestone in Eswatini’s journey towards sustainable infrastructure development, innovation and economic transformation.
He said the project reflected a shared commitment by Eswatini and its development partners to build a greener, more resilient and technology-driven future.
“This project marks an important milestone in our country’s journey towards sustainable energy, infrastructure innovation and economic development,” the minister said.
Ndwandwe expressed gratitude to UNDP for its continued partnership with Government, saying the organisation had consistently supported national development initiatives aimed at strengthening institutions and accelerating economic transformation.
He also thanked the Government and people of Japan for their generous financial support, saying the investment demonstrated the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to the minister, the project would modernise the country’s aviation sector through renewable energy technologies, digital solutions and improved infrastructure.
He said the interventions would enhance operational efficiency, strengthen cargo handling and logistics services, while positioning King Mswati III International Airport as a strategic gateway for trade and regional connectivity.
“The collaborative nature of this initiative augurs well for the continued development of King Mswati III International Airport as a strategic gateway for trade and connectivity. It also supports our broader national priorities of sustainable infrastructure development and digital transformation,” he said.
UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin revealed that Japan had provided a grant of USD693 333, equivalent to just under E12 million, to finance the demonstration project.
Franklin said the investment was more than financial assistance, describing it as a strategic investment in innovation, clean energy and Eswatini’s future economic competitiveness.
“The Government of Japan has consistently demonstrated that sustainable development is not only about financing, but also about technology, innovation, quality and long-term partnership,” he said.
He said the project would demonstrate how renewable energy and digital technologies could improve airport operations while creating opportunities for future investment.
Franklin noted that energy remained one of the most critical enablers of economic development, saying affordable and reliable energy was essential for industrialisation, investment attraction, efficient movement of goods and enterprise growth.
“Without reliable and affordable energy, it is difficult to industrialise, attract investment, move goods efficiently and grow enterprises,” he said.
He added that although Eswatini’s aviation industry was still developing, it possessed significant potential to contribute to trade, tourism, logistics and industrialisation.
Franklin said the project would introduce solar energy systems, smart logistics technologies and improved cargo handling systems that would make airport operations greener, more efficient and cost-effective.
He described the initiative as a demonstration project that would generate evidence for future expansion and larger investments.
“We appreciate that this is a demonstration project. It allows us to start in a focused way, learn from implementation and build a credible pathway for future investment,” he said.
Franklin further said Eswatini had been positioned as a demonstration site for Japanese green and digital technologies in aviation and logistics.
He said this created opportunities not only for the airport itself, but also for exporters, logistics companies, micro, small and medium enterprises as well as future investment partnerships.
He praised the partnership between the Government of Eswatini, the Government of Japan, ESWACAA and UNDP, saying it demonstrated how collaboration could accelerate sustainable development.
Franklin said UNDP remained committed to supporting Government in implementing the project effectively to ensure tangible results.
He also thanked the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development for enabling UNDP to continue supporting Government’s economic development agenda.
According to the project details, the intervention seeks to address persistent challenges at King Mswati III International Airport, including high energy costs, carbon-intensive operations and inefficient logistics systems that affect cargo movement.
The project will introduce solar energy infrastructure, upgrade cargo facilities using energy-efficient technologies and deploy digital coordination tools to improve cargo handling while reducing operational delays.
Authorities believe these interventions will strengthen the airport’s competitiveness within the region while supporting Eswatini’s industrialisation agenda and expanding trade opportunities.
The initiative also aligns with Japan’s commitments under the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which promotes sustainable infrastructure, digital transformation, climate-smart development, private sector-led growth and regional integration across Africa.
Government said the project complements Eswatini’s broader development agenda by supporting renewable energy adoption, digital transformation and sustainable infrastructure investment.
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(Courtesy Pic)
