Mbabane – Minister of Information and Communications Technology Savannah Maziya has called for research in Eswatini to focus on improving the lives of Emaswati, creating employment and contributing directly to economic growth
Maziya made the call while officially opening a global research workshop, where she challenged researchers and policymakers to examine whether their work is translating into practical economic and social benefits for the country.
She said research should help Eswatini make better use of its natural resources, develop local industries and reduce dependence on exporting raw materials.
The Minister questioned why countries that consume Africa’s resources often record low unemployment while African countries continue to struggle with high unemployment despite possessing valuable minerals, plants and other resources.
She said research could help unlock the value of these resources, including plant materials with potential applications in medicine, while creating industries and employment opportunities locally.
Maziya also called for greater investment in research, noting that Eswatini currently allocates less than one percent of its budget to the sector.
She challenged universities and researchers to rethink the purpose of education, saying young people should be equipped not only to look for jobs but also to create opportunities for others.
The Minister further raised questions about the impact of artificial intelligence on research and employment, particularly whether African researchers would benefit from the technology and how it could be used to address local challenges.
She also highlighted the continued loss of girls and women from science and technology, attributing this partly to social attitudes and barriers that affect women as they progress through education and into the workplace.
Maziya said Eswatini has an opportunity to use its research capacity to address unemployment, improve the economy and develop solutions to challenges facing the country.
She challenged researchers to ensure that their work leaves a tangible impact on Eswatini and contributes to building an economy where knowledge is converted into products, businesses, jobs and better lives for Emaswati.
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