Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s young entrepreneurs are leading the nation’s digital and economic transformation, a message emphasised during the 3rd edition of Umliba Youth Entrepreneurship Conference 2025 held on the 19th of November 2025 at the University of Eswatini.
The conference, themed “Together We Build: Unlocking Opportunities and Access to Finance,” brought together government officials, CEOs, innovators, and hundreds of young entrepreneurs eager to share ideas and explore pathways for growth in Eswatini’s digital economy.
Addressing attendees, Andreas Dlamini, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of ICT, highlighted the unprecedented opportunities available to youth in the digital era. “Young EmaSwati can now build mobile applications, run online businesses, offer services globally, and create digital content that resonates locally and internationally,” he said. He emphasized that digital participation goes beyond technology use, it’s about shaping how Eswatini leverages innovation for development.
The government is investing heavily in digital infrastructure to ensure all youth can access the tools they need. Expanded 4G and LTE coverage, strengthened national fibre networks, and free Wi-Fi at Tinkhundla centres are helping bridge the digital divide, particularly for young people in rural and peri-urban areas. These initiatives make online learning, entrepreneurship, and access to information more attainable for every young Eswatini citizen.
Digital literacy programs in partnership with global platforms like Udacity are equipping youth with in-demand skills such as coding, data analytics, digital marketing, and ICT entrepreneurship. These programs aim to produce young innovators capable of creating jobs, developing solutions, and establishing technology-driven enterprises that contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Innovation hubs, including the Royal Science and Technology Park, are central to supporting entrepreneurial development. They provide mentorship, business development services, prototype support, and access to seed funding, enabling ideas to transform into sustainable, scalable businesses. Additionally, tools like the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) continue to empower young entrepreneurs to launch enterprises that drive both job creation and economic diversification.
Dlamini encouraged the youth to use their creativity and skills to make a positive impact in their communities. “Whether mentoring peers, teaching coding, helping local businesses digitize, or developing apps that solve community challenges, every effort moves us closer to a digitally empowered nation,” he said.
The conference concluded with a strong message of collaboration and optimism: by working together, government, private sector, academia, development partners, and youth—Eswatini can build a digitally inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive nation. The future belongs to the youth who step forward to imagine boldly, build courageously, and innovate fearlessly.
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