Africa-Press – Eswatini. Senator Her Royal Highness Princess Ncengencenge has urged increased investment in information and communication technology (ICT) to strengthen education, promote innovation, and build a knowledge-based economy in Eswatini.
Princess Ncengencenge delivered her address October 21, 2025, at the opening of the ESWERA–DEASA–KEAS–RSTP 2025 International Conference held at the University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni Campus. The three-day conference is organised by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) through its Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) Department, in collaboration with the Eswatini Education Research Association (ESWERA), Distance Education Association of Southern Africa (DEASA), Kenya Education Academic Scholars (KEAS), and the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP).
Speaking in her capacity as Chairperson of the ICT Portfolio Committee at Senate, Princess Ncengencenge said digital investment must be viewed as a long-term commitment to national development. She explained that the Ministry of ICT, as custodian of the National ICT Policy and Digital Transformation Strategy, is leading Eswatini’s journey toward becoming a “smart, connected, and competitive nation.”
She highlighted flagship programmes such as the National Broadband Policy, E-Government Strategy, and National Digital Skills Framework, which are helping to expand digital access, promote e-learning, and improve service delivery.
The Princess applauded partnerships between the government and telecommunication companies, MTN Eswatini, Eswatini Mobile, and Eswatini Post and Telecommunications, for working to reduce data costs on educational platforms such as the Eswatini Learning Passport (ELP). She added that improved rural connectivity and community Wi-Fi zones are helping bridge the digital divide.
She also commended the Royal Science and Technology Park for supporting homegrown innovation through start-ups like Shunifu and EduSphere, which are creating energy-efficient, cloud-based learning solutions designed for local needs.
Calling for increased budget support for the ICT Ministry, Princess Ncengencenge said investment in digital skills, teacher training, and cybersecurity will prepare emaSwati for technology-driven careers. “Our investment in ICT is an investment in the minds of our young people, the future innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will carry our nation into the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions,” she said.
The Princess further encouraged collaboration between ministries, universities, and research institutions to co-create inclusive and ethical digital education systems. She urged delegates to use the conference to share ideas that will make education more relevant and sustainable.
“As a nation, we must build a digital future that bridges rather than widens gaps, and empowers rather than excludes,” she said in closing.
The ESWERA–DEASA–KEAS–RSTP 2025 International Conference runs until October 23, focusing on transformative education strategies, digital inclusion, sustainability, and the role of technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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