By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The Kingdom of Eswatini has
concluded its inaugural National Science Month 2026, celebrating young
innovators from schools, tertiary institutions and out-of-school youth while
reaffirming the government's commitment to building a knowledge-based and innovation-driven
economy.
Speaking at the closing
ceremony, Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Hon. Savannah
Maziya, challenged young people to view themselves as today's innovators rather
than tomorrow's leaders, urging them to play an active role in shaping the
country's future through science, technology and innovation.
The Minister said Eswatini's
youthful population represents one of the country's greatest strengths, noting
that more than 70 percent of citizens are under the age of 35. She described
this demographic as a strategic advantage capable of driving economic
transformation and technological advancement.
Maziya reaffirmed the
government's ambition to position Eswatini as a regional innovation hub where
young people develop globally competitive digital solutions, establish
technology-driven businesses, create employment opportunities and compete in
international markets.
She highlighted flagship
initiatives such as Government in Your Hand and Coders Eswatini,
which are expanding access to digital public services while equipping young
people with the digital skills required to participate in the country's growing
digital economy.
The Minister encouraged
young innovators to move beyond being consumers of technology and instead
become creators, entrepreneurs and exporters of innovative digital solutions
capable of addressing local and global challenges.
She also commended students,
educators, researchers and development partners for their contributions to the
success of National Science Month, emphasising that innovation requires
continuous learning, resilience and a willingness to pursue bold ideas.
