Mbabane – The High Commission of India in Mbabane today marked the 61st anniversary of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, celebrating decades of partnership with Eswatini in human resource development and skills training.
The event, held at the UN House in Mbabane, was attended by Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko, who delivered the keynote address as guest of honour. Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, National Police Commissioner Vusi Manoma Masango, senior officers of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), diplomats and civil servants were also present.
About 80 emaSwati who trained in India under the ITEC scheme over the past year joined the celebration, sharing their experiences as part of the growing alumni network.
The ITEC programme, first launched in 1964, provides fully funded training in areas ranging from information technology, banking, governance, health and defence to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Each year, India offers over 12,000 training opportunities to officials from more than 160 countries.
Eswatini has been a consistent beneficiary since establishing diplomatic ties with India. More than 400 emaSwati from government, security forces and the private sector have completed courses since the Indian mission in Mbabane opened in 2019. During the pandemic, 166 nationals benefitted from online courses, including six programmes tailored exclusively for Eswatini.
Security agencies such as the UEDF, Royal Eswatini Police Service and His Majesty’s Correctional Services have sent officers for advanced training in defence, narcotics control, witness protection and emergency medical response. In 2018, India also provided specialised training for 50 treasury officials in public finance management.
Diplomats from Eswatini have benefitted as well, with 11 officers completing India’s professional course for foreign diplomats. Officials said these efforts have built capacity across institutions and created a strong network of professionals applying their knowledge locally.
India currently offers 50 annual training slots to Eswatini, up from 30 before the state visit of the Indian president in 2018. For the current training cycle, 38 have already been taken up.
The High Commission said ITEC remains central to India’s cooperation with Eswatini, complementing infrastructure projects such as the Royal Science and Technology Park and agriculture mechanisation initiatives funded through Indian credit lines.
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