- RSTP to unveil innovation hub at pavilion 5…
- Innovation hub to make debut…
- Coders eswatini builds digital skills…
- Government services go digital…
- AI and the future…
BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – Artificial intelligence, robotics and green digital solutions are set to take centre stage at the 2026 Eswatini International Trade Fair as the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) positions technology as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during the Eswatini TV Kusile Breakfast Show, RSTP Artificial Intelligence Strategist Menzi Khumalo said the Ministry of ICT, its parastatals and RSTP were aligning their programmes with this year’s theme, “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade”.
Khumalo said the focus would be on harnessing technology to create a “smarter, greener, and more sustainable future” for Eswatini.
According to Khumalo, RSTP will unveil its Innovation Hub at Pavilion 5 for the first time during the trade fair.
He said the initiative follows the success of the Startup World Cup, which showcased innovative ideas from young Emaswati.
Among the ideas highlighted was the production of cement from waste materials, which Khumalo described as evidence of the country’s potential to develop solutions to local challenges.
“Our job is to act as an enabler, to provide these young, brilliant and talented minds with the platforms to fully go out and express themselves,” he said
Khumalo also highlighted Coders Eswatini, an initiative developed in partnership with Udacity.
The programme offers free training in artificial intelligence, data science, programming and Android app development.
He said the initiative was designed to prepare Emaswati for an increasingly digital future, although more awareness was needed to improve its uptake.
The discussion also touched on Government in Your Hand, a digital platform designed to simplify access to government services.
Khumalo said users can access services such as travel-document status checks, business registration and vehicle licence payments without physically travelling to government offices.
The integration of MTN MoMo Money has also enabled digital payments for services including trading licences and civil certificates.
Khumalo said visitors to Pavilion 5 can expect demonstrations involving artificial intelligence, drones, mixed reality and virtual reality, alongside locally developed digital solutions.
He encouraged young innovators with technology-based ideas to approach the RSTP Business Incubation Unit for mentorship and support.
“The challenge is not necessarily a lack of ideas. It is about enabling those ideas with resources, mentorship and support,” he said.
As Eswatini moves towards a greener digital economy, RSTP hopes the trade fair will not only showcase technology, but inspire Emaswati to become creators of it.
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