Mbabane– Government is targeting 500 000 Emaswati for digital skills training through partnerships with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Bank as the country seeks to expand participation in the digital economy and prepare citizens for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).
The initiative comprises 300 000 citizens targeted through the UAE partnership and another 200 000 through World Bank support, according to information released by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (MICT).
The announcement comes as Minister Savannah Maziya represents Eswatini at the three-day Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul, South Korea, which began on October 19, 2026.
The skills drive forms part of Eswatini’s broader digital transformation agenda, which also includes the development of an “AI-enabled government in your hand” platform.
The proposed platform is intended to bring government services and products closer to citizens through digital devices, simplify access to public services and facilitate payments.
Senator Savannah, accompanied by Director of Research, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Rejoice Maseko, joined international delegates at the summit to discuss how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can support economic growth, productivity and preparations for the future of work.
The minister highlighted reliable nationwide connectivity, affordable data, effective regulation and strong cybersecurity as important requirements for ensuring that digital transformation benefits citizens.
These priorities are particularly significant as government seeks to expand digital access and encourage more Emaswati to participate in the digital economy.
The proposed government platform could make accessing public services more convenient by allowing citizens to use digital devices rather than relying solely on traditional service channels. However, its practical impact will depend on implementation, accessibility, affordability and the ability of citizens to use the technology.
The ministry’s statement did not provide a timeline for the rollout of the platform or explain when the targeted digital skills programmes would begin, how participants would be selected or how progress towards the 500,000 target would be measured.
Maziya reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to using AI and emerging technologies to promote inclusive economic growth, create sustainable employment opportunities and ensure that citizens are not excluded from the country’s digital transformation.
Eswatini’s participation in the Seoul summit reflects government’s efforts to engage international partners on digital innovation and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
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