NEW YORK, USA – His Majesty the King has launched a landmark partnership with Google, Stardust, and SHE Powers Africa, aiming to position Eswatini as a centre for technological innovation in Africa. The announcement took place during the United Nations General Assembly, with the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology facilitating the collaboration.
The King said the initiative will equip young Emaswati with digital skills and close the technology gap. “This partnership will provide training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and other emerging fields. It will open new opportunities for our youth and empower women with skills to thrive in the digital economy,” he said.
Minister Savannah Maziya, who initiated a historic collaboration with Google last year, described the agreement as a continuation of Eswatini’s drive to embrace digital transformation. The King noted that the partnership will also improve government operations and service delivery, contributing to broader economic growth. 
The initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to generate employment, expand access to essential services, and strengthen resilience in communities across the Kingdom. “We are working to ensure that digital transformation translates into real benefits for all our people,” the King added.
The launch was attended by UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Hanan Ahli, Vice Chair of the Global Council SDG5, Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the UAE General Women’s Union, Tanya Singh, Global Head of Transformation Practice at Google, Jason Michaud, Founder and CEO of Stardust Inc., and NASA representative Edward Gonzales.
The King said the partnership reflects international confidence in Eswatini’s potential to lead in innovation. “The future of Eswatini will be forged at the core of global progress, driven by knowledge, technology, and skilled human capital,” he stated.
