MBABANE – More than 70 young innovators from tertiary institutions across Eswatini are developing technology-driven solutions to address some of the country’s most pressing healthcare challenges through the MTN Enactus NextGen Digital Health Solutions Fair.
The initiative, which forms part of MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, has brought together students and recent graduates with the aim of creating digital health innovations capable of improving healthcare access, efficiency and outcomes while building sustainable enterprises.
Held under the theme ‘Expand Equitable Health for Every Community’, the programme challenges participants to identify healthcare problems affecting communities and design practical solutions that can strengthen Eswatini’s healthcare system.
The first phase of the fair focused on helping participants understand key healthcare challenges and opportunities within the sector. Students engaged with experts from government, healthcare institutions and industry, gaining insights into issues such as public health, healthcare accessibility and blood donation systems.
Participants were encouraged to explore how technology could be used to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery and improve services for communities.
The second phase, hosted at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), shifted attention to solution development.
Teams worked closely with mentors from various fields, including software engineering, healthcare, information security and innovation management.
Experts from organisations such as The Luke Commission and RSTP assisted participants in refining their ideas, validating assumptions and strengthening the practical viability of their proposed solutions.
Students also attended specialised masterclasses aimed at helping them transform innovative concepts into sustainable businesses.
MTN Fintech experts introduced participants to digital financial technologies and demonstrated how solutions such as Mobile Money could be integrated into healthcare innovations to improve accessibility, affordability and long-term sustainability.
Legal professionals from Magagula and Hlophe Attorneys provided guidance on intellectual property protection, patents, contracts and innovation safeguarding.
Enactus Country Director Sabelo Dlamini said the programme was more than generating ideas, describing it as an opportunity to develop future health entrepreneurs capable of creating meaningful social and economic impact.
“Many young people are passionate about solving problems, but sustainable innovation requires more than a good idea.
It requires understanding the problem deeply, validating the need, designing a practical solution and developing a viable business model,” he said.
Dlamini thanked MTN for supporting the initiative and creating opportunities for young people to contribute to a better future.
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