Macetjeni– The Government of Eswatini is set to introduce artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, coding and cybersecurity training at community innovation hubs across the country.
The announcement was made by Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology Prince Mshishimba during the official handover of the Macetjeni Integrated Business, Employment and Innovation Hub (iHub) yesterday.
The PS also revealed that preparations were already underway to establish another iHub in the Shiselweni Region, as government pushes to ensure every region has access to innovation centres.
He said the next phase of the programmed would move beyond basic digital literacy by introducing specialized technical training aimed at improving employability and supporting youth-led enterprises.
The courses will include artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, cybersecurity and digital entrepreneurship, building on the success of the mobile phone repair programme currently offered at the Mdutshane ICT Centre.
“Our objective is to ensure that every region has access to facilities that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion,” the Prince said.
He highlighted that government wanted the innovation hubs to become centres where ideas were transformed into businesses, skills into employment and technology into a driver of community development.
The PS said the country’s digital transformation agenda was focused on ensuring that every liSwati, regardless of where they lived, had an opportunity to participate in the digital economy.
He said technology should not only improve communication but also enable citizens to access education, create businesses, secure employment and improve their livelihoods.
The Macetjeni iHub was established through a partnership involving the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO).
The facility will provide digital skills training, entrepreneurship support, career guidance and access to online government services, with particular focus on young people, women, persons living with disabilities and micro, small and medium enterprises.
He stressed that the success of the Piggs Peak iHub had demonstrated the value of community innovation centres in stimulating entrepreneurship and local economic development, giving government confidence to expand the model to other parts of the country.
He urged the people of Macetjeni and surrounding chiefdoms to take ownership of the facility and ensure that it became a centre of innovation and opportunity for future generations.
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