BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI— Eswatini has taken another important step towards building a digitally skilled and future-ready workforce, as the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Artificial Intelligence Academy celebrated the graduation of over 400 professionals trained in generative artificial intelligence.
The milestone was marked during a Certificate Awarding Ceremony held at the George Hotel in Manzini on June 19, 2026, where graduates from the Academy’s Mastering Generative AI for Professionals programme were honoured for successfully completing the specialised training course.
The graduation ceremony reflected the growing national momentum behind digital transformation and innovation, with professionals from different sectors coming together to celebrate the successful completion of a programme designed to equip them with practical and relevant knowledge in one of the world’s fastest-growing technological fields.
Speaking during the ceremony, University of Eswatini Vice Chancellor Professor Justice Mandla Thwala described the graduation as a significant milestone for both the institution and the country, saying it demonstrated the growing importance of preparing emaSwati for an increasingly digital and innovation-driven future.
“As UNESWA, we are proud to be at the forefront of equipping professionals with the skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This graduation is not just about certificates; it is about empowering people with the knowledge and confidence to use artificial intelligence to solve problems, improve productivity and contribute meaningfully to national development,” said Professor Thwala.
He said the rapid rise of artificial intelligence across industries had made it essential for professionals to continuously upgrade their skills in order to remain relevant, innovative and competitive in a fast-changing global economy.
The Mastering Generative AI for Professionals course is one of three specialised programmes currently offered by the UNESWA AI Academy as part of a broader strategy to strengthen artificial intelligence capacity across different sectors of the economy.
Participants in the programme received hands-on training in generative AI tools and concepts, equipping them with practical skills to improve productivity, enhance decision-making, strengthen innovation and solve real-world challenges within their respective fields.
The graduation of over 400 professionals marks a major achievement for the Academy as it continues to expand access to AI education and support Eswatini’s broader digital transformation agenda. It also reflects a growing recognition that artificial intelligence is no longer reserved for technology specialists, but is becoming an increasingly important tool across sectors such as education, business, public service, research and entrepreneurship.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform the way organisations operate, communicate and innovate, the need for professionals who understand and can responsibly use these technologies is becoming more urgent. Through initiatives such as the AI Academy, UNESWA is helping to ensure that Eswatini develops a workforce capable of participating confidently in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Applications are now open for the Academy’s next intake, which begins on June 26, 2026, giving more professionals the opportunity to gain future-ready skills in artificial intelligence and become part of a growing network of AI-enabled leaders and innovators.
For the graduates honoured in Manzini, the certificates represented more than the completion of a training programme. They symbolised readiness to embrace change, adapt to new technologies and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development in an increasingly digital world.
As Eswatini continues to invest in knowledge, innovation and human capital development, the UNESWA AI Academy’s latest milestone stands as a strong indication that the country is steadily positioning itself to harness the opportunities of artificial intelligence and prepare its people for the future of work.
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(Courtesy Pic)
