MACETJENI – A second Innovation Hub (Ihub) has been launched at Macetjeni to expand digital skills, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities for youth and small businesses.
The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, yesterday officially launched the Macetjeni Innovation Hub (iHub), a facility expected to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), young people, women and persons with disabilities in the Lubombo Region.
The iHub, established by the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) in partnership with the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is the second facility of its kind in the Kingdom. It follows the successful establishment of the Piggs Peak iHub and forms part of Government’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Equipped with a modern computer laboratory, high-speed internet connectivity and co-working spaces, the Macetjeni iHub has been designed to provide entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners with access to digital technologies, business development support and skills training. The facility is also expected to improve productivity, strengthen the competitiveness of MSMEs and stimulate enterprise development across the surrounding Tinkhundla.
Speaking during the official launch, Minister Khumalo described the facility as another demonstration of Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
He commended SEDCO, ESCCOM, UNDP and all project partners for working together to bring the initiative to fruition, saying the partnership reflected a shared commitment to empowering emaSwati through technology and enterprise development.
Khumalo said Government remained determined to reduce poverty by equipping citizens with practical and relevant skills that would enable them to create sustainable livelihoods.
“Once they acquire those skills, they can decide what kind of businesses they want to establish,” he said.
The Minister said the iHub would create opportunities for entrepreneurs to venture into e-commerce and participate in international markets without having to leave their communities.
He explained that technology had removed geographical barriers and made it possible for local entrepreneurs to trade with customers from different parts of the world.
Minister Khumalo added that the facility would particularly benefit artisans and people involved in the craft industry by giving them access to online marketing platforms.
“Those producing handicrafts will be able to market their products online,” he said.
He said successful online marketing could result in local products reaching international buyers, thereby increasing export opportunities and foreign currency earnings.
Minister Khumalo expressed optimism that the innovation hub would unlock new economic opportunities for communities in Lubombo and contribute towards job creation.
Also addressing the gathering was Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, who represented the Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Savannah Maziya.
Dlamini said the official handover of the Macetjeni iHub marked an important milestone in Government’s efforts to decentralise access to digital services and innovation.
He thanked His Royal Highness, the Bucopho, the Inner Council and the people of Macetjeni for embracing the initiative and supporting Government’s development agenda.
“We value the continued partnership of our traditional leadership in creating an environment where innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunity can flourish,” he said.
Dlamini stressed that the opening of the facility represented far more than the construction of another public building.
“It represents another step in Government’s commitment to ensuring that every liSwati has an opportunity to participate in the digital economy, regardless of where they live,” he said.
He said Eswatini’s digital transformation agenda extended beyond expanding communication infrastructure and focused on improving people’s livelihoods through technology.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Eswatini, Henrik Franklin, said the launch of the Macetjeni iHub reflected the shared commitment of Government and development partners to ensuring that all emaSwati benefit from the digital revolution.
Franklin described the facility as more than just a physical structure, saying it would become a centre of innovation, learning and entrepreneurship for surrounding communities.
“Today we are not simply opening a building; we are opening doors to opportunity,” he said.
He noted that the Macetjeni facility built on the success of the Piggs Peak iHub, which was launched previously and further expanded the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.
“Macetjeni now becomes part of a growing ecosystem that ensures geography is no longer a barrier to opportunity, innovation and economic participation,” Franklin said.
He explained that the project was implemented under the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, reflecting Government’s deliberate investment in young people and community development.
According to Franklin, youth unemployment continues to be one of Africa’s most pressing development challenges, making investment in digital skills increasingly important.
He observed that technology was transforming economies across the continent by creating new industries, changing business operations and reshaping the skills required to succeed in an increasingly competitive labour market.
However, he cautioned that many rural communities continued to face challenges in accessing digital technologies, digital infrastructure and relevant digital skills.
“If we do not intentionally expand digital access, the benefits of technological progress will not be shared equally,” he said.
Franklin said initiatives such as the Macetjeni iHub would help bridge the digital divide by providing young people, entrepreneurs and community members with access to technology, innovation and business support services that were previously concentrated in urban areas.
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