The Kingdom of Eswatini is hosting a digital entrepreneurship workshop aimed at empowering youth and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to harness digital technologies for business growth and innovation.
Hosted in partnership with the embassies of Taiwan and the United States, the 2026 Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) International Workshop on Digital Entrepreneurship for Youth and MSMEs is being held from March 11-12 at The Royal Villas in Ezulwini.
The workshop has brought together government officials, international partners, entrepreneurs and technology experts to explore how digital tools can help businesses expand markets, improve productivity and reduce operational costs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Taiwan Ambassador – Jeremy Liang – said the initiative aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and create new economic opportunities for young people in Eswatini. He noted that digital technology is transforming how businesses operate and access markets, enabling entrepreneurs to reach customers far beyond their immediate communities.
“Our goal is to help create more jobs and opportunities for the youth of Eswatini by equipping entrepreneurs with digital skills that enhance productivity and open new markets,” Liang said.
Established in 2015 by Taiwan and the United States, the Global Cooperation and Training Framework serves as a platform for international collaboration and capacity building to address global challenges. The initiative has since expanded to include partners such as Japan, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, bringing together experts from around the world to share experiences and best practices.
The framework has hosted nearly 100 programmes involving more than 10,000 participants from over 130 countries, addressing issues such as cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, public health, disaster response and energy security. This year’s workshop marks the third GCTF programme hosted in Eswatini, following earlier events held in 2021 and 2024 that focused on women’s empowerment.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade – Manqoba Khumalo – said the workshop aligns with government’s broader efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship and support the growth of MSMEs. He noted that Eswatini currently has approximately 68,000 MSMEs, according to the 2023 FinScope Survey, employing about 93,000 people.
“These enterprises are not only job creators but also innovators and problem solvers that contribute to the growth and resilience of our economy,” Khumalo said.
The minister further noted that the government’s National MSME Policy 2024-2029 aims to create a vibrant and competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem by strengthening business development services, improving access to finance and expanding market opportunities for small businesses. He emphasised that digital technology presents significant opportunities for MSMEs to improve productivity and participate more effectively in regional and global markets.
“Knowledge-sharing platforms like the Global Cooperation and Training Framework allow countries to learn from each other’s experiences in digital transformation and innovation policy,” he said.
The workshop has brought together speakers and experts from Eswatini, Taiwan, the United States and other countries to share practical insights on digital business models, innovation and entrepreneurship.