Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s youth were told to code or be left behind as the AI & Digital Transformation Summit 2025 kicked off with fire, facts and future talk at UNESWA.
The University of Eswatini’s Sports Emporium came alive with energy and digital ambition on Wednesday as the AI & Digital Transformation Youth Summit 2025 roared to life, and the message from the country’s leadership was loud and clear: Eswatini’s youth must code, innovate, and lead or risk falling behind.
Commerce, Industry and Trade Minister Hon. Manqoba Khumalo did not mince his words as he officially opened the two-day summit, calling on the country’s young innovators to step boldly into the future.
“Digital transformation is no longer a choice — it is a necessity for competitiveness, growth, and resilience,” said Khumalo. “The world is moving rapidly, and Eswatini must not be left behind.”
The summit, hosted at UNESWA in collaboration with Stratcom Media, RSTP, the Ministry of ICT, UNESCO and other partners, drew industry leaders, techpreneurs, youth delegates and government representatives under the theme: Empowering the Next Generation: AI Skills, Innovation and Opportunity.
MSMEs IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Minister Khumalo placed special emphasis on the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up over 90% of the country’s private sector.
“AI is opening a new era for MSMEs,” he said. “Whether through automated inventory management, predictive analytics or smarter customer service — technology is helping small businesses scale like never before.”
He added that his Ministry was committed to building an environment where even the smallest entrepreneur, in the most remote corner of Eswatini, could access the tools and digital infrastructure needed to thrive.
SPAZA EATS FOUNDER LIGHTS UP THE STAGE
The star of the day? South African tech entrepreneur and Spaza Eats CEO, Talifhani Banks, who delivered a firecracker of a keynote address that had the crowd buzzing.
“The shift has already happened. You don’t need to wait for permission,” said Banks. “With vision, access and guts, even a kid in Mbabane can launch a global brand.”
Banks, who won a BRICS Innovation Award, built Spaza Eats to empower township food vendors using mobile commerce and data.
“Your presence reminds us that African problems can be solved by African innovation,” said Minister Khumalo in appreciation of Banks’ trailblazing work.
GOVERNMENT BACKS DIGITAL DREAMS
RSTP Acting CEO Nomvula Gulwako-Shongwe also took to the podium, stressing that the country had to act fast in preparing for the digital wave.
“AI is no longer optional,” she said. “The digitization of our education, health, financial and trade sectors is urgent, and we are gathered here to forge a way forward.”
She added that the summit was not just about conversations but real tools, real change, and “planting the seeds of big ideas.”
“We’re proud to co-host this platform with Stratcom. Our role is clear, and it starts with supporting the youth who will live with the consequences of today’s decisions,” said Gulwako-Shongwe.
YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION
The summit is aligned with the Year of Transformation declared by His Majesty King Mswati III, which includes the ambitious Government in Your Hand initiative and the youth-focused NKWE Programme.
Minister Khumalo urged young people to move from inspiration to implementation.
“Let us build startups that solve real problems. Let us create policies that are agile, inclusive, and future-focused. Let us make Eswatini a leader, not a follower,” he said.
LOOKING AHEAD
Day one of the summit featured heated panel discussions on AI and entrepreneurship, challenges in fintech, and the power of borderless innovation. The event continues today with workshops, innovation showcases and collaborative sessions geared at shaping Eswatini’s AI-powered future.
And if day one is anything to go by, this summit isn’t just a talk shop, it’s a launchpad.
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