BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – The U.S Embassy and Ministry of ICT have renewed their relationship through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
The landmark ceremony was held at the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) conference room this morning where the U.S. Embassy in Eswatini and the Ministry of ICT renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This agreement reaffirms their joint commitment to advancing youth development, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy through the American Spaces program.
The collaboration, which spans the next two years, underscores the strategic importance of equipping young people with tools and opportunities to lead, innovate, and thrive in a dynamic global environment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of ICT Savannah Maziya emphasized the partnership’s significance in driving Eswatini’s digital transformation. She praised American Corners for their role in fostering innovation, providing free access to educational resources, and offering programs that equip youth with vital skills for personal and professional growth.
Minister Maziya highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the Ministry’s Digital Transformation Agenda, commending the U.S. Embassy for their support in bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusivity.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Caitlin Piper echoed the Minister’s sentiments, underscoring the transformative potential of the collaboration. She emphasized that the renewed partnership is about more than resources; it is about empowering young people to lead, innovate, and inspire change in their communities.
The renewed MoU will focus on two key areas. Firstly, it aims to nurture the next generation of business leaders by providing mentorship, resources, and entrepreneurial training, enabling young people to contribute to Eswatini’s economic growth. Secondly, it seeks to promote student mobility to the United States through scholarships and exchange programs, offering opportunities for global exposure and cultural exchange.
She added that the American Spaces in Eswatini have become vibrant hubs of learning, creativity, and connectivity. She said since their inception, they have steadily grown in popularity, hosting 1,301 programs between 2012 and 2019, benefitting over 87,000 participants. The upward trend continued in 2023 with 317 programs reaching 17,424 beneficiaries. In 2024, visits to American Spaces surged from 21,556 to 33,902, reflecting the increasing demand for their resources and opportunities.
She said the Mbabane (Endibanweni) and Manzini American Corners have been instrumental in offering free internet access, workshops, and resources for business development and educational pursuits. These spaces also foster cultural exchange, enabling communities to celebrate diverse perspectives and build shared understanding.
With the renewed MoU in place, both the Ministry of ICT and the U.S. Embassy aim to strengthen these centers as beacons of hope and progress, inspiring Eswatini’s youth to dream big and achieve even greater heights.
