Phiwa Sikhondze
In a significant move towards embracing the digital future, the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) in collaboration with the Taiwan Embassy, hosted a seminar for marketing specialists, dedicated to mastering marketing strategies using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Dubbed ‘Mastering Marketing Strategies using AI’, the seminar organized by EIPA in collaboration with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), aimed to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in marketing.
The seminar provided marketing and communications professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how AI can enhance customer engagement, optimize marketing campaigns, and expand market reach.
This initiative marks a significant shift from traditional marketing and communications to a more contemporary and dynamic field, particularly emphasizing the role of digital technologies.
Additionally, the seminar aimed to address the digital divide in Eswatini, where only about 50% of the population currently uses the internet. By discussing innovative strategies for e-commerce, social media, and online advertising, the event aimed to boost awareness and adoption of AI tools among local professionals.
The goal was to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to leverage AI and digital technologies effectively, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing the country’s presence in the global market.
The seminar was expertly facilitated by Chang Wei-Rong, an expert from Taiwan, who guided the attendees through the intricacies of AI and its application in modern marketing strategies. Sibusiso Mnisi, the External Trade Manager at EIPA, delivered an address that underscored the transformative potential of AI in the global market landscape.
“Artificial intelligence is the new frontier in marketing and trade services,” Mnisi stated, emphasizing the need for Eswatini to adopt these technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the international market.
The seminar highlighted Eswatini’s position at the crossroads of traditional commerce and the burgeoning digital economy. With only about 50% of the population having internet access, Mnisi pointed out the crucial need to bridge the digital divide. He praised the efforts of sister partners like TAITRA and ESCCOM for their role in analyzing and reporting on the nation’s internet accessibility.
This seminar served as a platform for discussing the rapid evolution of marketing landscapes and the convergence of data, technology, and consumer behavior. Mnisi also touched upon the low e-commerce awareness among consumers in Eswatini, viewing it as an opportunity to innovate and develop strategies that can enhance the country’s export capabilities.
Mnisi called for a fresh approach that leverages AI to drive customer engagement, optimize campaigns, and expand market reach.
“As EIPA, we are at the forefront of export promotion, and we understand the significance of staying ahead in the dynamic digital era,” he said.
“The integration of AI and e-commerce is essential for promoting our products on platforms like Amazon,” he explained.
The facilitator, Chang, Wei-Rong, encouraged participants to engage with AI technologies and apply the insights gained to improve their effectiveness in their various workplaces. She called on everyone to not just observe, but actively participate in the AI revolution.