BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)
MBABANE– Mbabane’s growing reputation as a smart city reached a significant milestone as its international recognition was formally handed over to national leadership, reinforcing a unified vision for urban innovation in Eswatini.
Mayor Thulani Mkhonto presented the 2026 System Integration Export Award to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala, following the city’s recognition at the Smart City Summit & Expo in Taipei. The award highlights Mbabane’s progress in adopting smart technologies and modern urban solutions aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing everyday life for residents.
The handover marked more than a ceremonial moment. It signalled a strong alignment between local and national government in advancing a shared development agenda centred on innovation, connectivity, and sustainable urban growth. By bringing the award home, city leadership underscored the importance of translating global recognition into local impact.
The Smart City Summit & Expo, which brings together global leaders in technology and city planning, provided Mbabane with a platform to showcase its achievements while learning from other cities driving digital transformation. The recognition positions the capital as an emerging example of how smaller cities can leverage innovation to address modern challenges.
Beyond the accolade, the moment reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that technological advancement benefits communities in practical ways. From improved services to smarter infrastructure, the focus remains on building a city that responds effectively to the needs of its people.
As Eswatini continues to invest in digital transformation, Mbabane’s achievement stands as both recognition and responsibility. It highlights progress made while reinforcing the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies to build smarter, more inclusive cities for the future.
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(Courtesy Pic)
