Matsapha – On Thursday, November 20, 2025, a group of entrepreneurs from across Eswatini celebrated the completion of the Digital Marketing Training Program at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP). The program, offered for free by Mpowered Eswatini, focused on essential areas such as social media strategy, online branding, and digital marketing.
The training, facilitated by Ms. Hloniphile Matsebula, a certified ICT trainer and program director at Empower Sourcing, was part of a global initiative between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Microsoft. The program’s goal is to equip entrepreneurs, especially women, with the digital skills needed to grow their businesses in today’s rapidly evolving market.
“This isn’t just an ending but a powerful beginning,” Ms. Matsebula told the graduates during the ceremony. “You have embraced a comprehensive training regimen that will equip you with the tools needed to succeed in the digital world.”
The course aimed to bridge a critical gap for many entrepreneurs who, despite possessing strong business skills, lacked the marketing knowledge to expand their reach. Participants were encouraged to embrace digital tools and strategies beyond traditional marketing. “It’s not just about running a business; you need to know how to market it,” a representative from the Business Incubator stated.
The training provided not only technical skills but also a certificate of completion, signifying the graduates’ readiness to drive digital transformation in their businesses. This expertise, combined with the technological resources at RSTP, is expected to strengthen local businesses and help them tap into global markets.
The collaboration between Empower Sourcing and RSTP has been described as pivotal for Eswatini’s digital economy. By fostering innovation, the program is positioning local entrepreneurs to take advantage of global opportunities. The training also emphasized the importance of creating websites, integrating e-commerce platforms, and using payment gateways like MTN’s Momo API to facilitate online transactions.
Sanelisiwe Mkhwanazi, Acting Head of Business Incubation at RSTP, also addressed the graduates, highlighting the importance of this collaboration in transforming Eswatini’s digital landscape. “We are proud to support these entrepreneurs in their journey to grow their businesses digitally and sustainably,” she said.
Dr. Rejoice Maseko, Director of the Department of Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Ministry of ICT, attended the ceremony to congratulate the graduates on their hard work and commitment. She praised the collaboration between Empower Sourcing and RSTP, emphasizing the program’s role in driving Eswatini’s digital transformation.
Representatives of the graduates, including Betty Gelae, Sathumbile Zwane, and Sikolokotho, also shared their feedback, offering valuable insights into how the training had impacted their businesses.
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