MBABANE – The Kingdom of Eswatini joined the global community yesterday in observing World Cities Day 2025 under the theme “People-Centered Smart Cities.”
The event, organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, brought together mayors, council chairpersons, development partners, and urban stakeholders to discuss the future of Eswatini’s cities.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala said the development of smart cities goes beyond technology, focusing instead on placing people at the centre of innovation and urban planning. “A truly smart city is not defined by its connectivity, but by its equity, inclusivity, and resilience,” he said.
The Minister outlined government priorities, including bridging the digital divide through affordable connectivity and digital literacy, strengthening participatory governance to empower residents, building resilient infrastructure to improve service delivery and climate adaptation, and ensuring ethical data use in emerging technologies.
“Technology must be the vehicle that uplifts the dignity and opportunity of every urban resident. The call is clear: to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities where every citizen is at the centre of progress,” Maphalala said.
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