LocationsCharting a Smarter Path to Human Development
Eswatini Eyes AI for Growth
May 22, 2025
UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Henrik Franklin, hands over the 2025 Human Development Report to the Minister of ICT, Hon. Savannah Maziya.
UNDP/Thoba Dlamini
Two weeks after the global release of the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR), local stakeholders gathered at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), Kwaluseni Campus, to engage in a national dialogue on the country’s human development trajectory and the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on society. The HDR is a UNDP publication that focuses on measuring and understanding human development in countries worldwide.
Convened under the leadership of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, the event brought together representatives from government, academia, the private sector, and youth. Themed “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI,” the 2025 HDR emphasises that true development lies in expanding the freedom to choose – to live healthy lives, to be educated, to participate meaningfully in society, and to pursue opportunities that bring dignity and purpose.
The programme featured presentations and a panel discussion that explored the intersection of human development and AI. Participants reflected on how AI is reshaping education, healthcare, employment, and governance.
UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Henrik Franklin, poses with dignitaries after the national launch of the 2025 Human Development Report.
UNDP/Thoba Dlamini
Speaking at the event, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Henrik Franklin noted, “AI is transforming every aspect of our societies – how we learn, work, govern, and interact. But, as UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner rightly said, ‘It is people, not machines, who determine which technologies thrive, how they are used, and whom they serve.’ The question before us is not simply what AI can do, but what choices we make to ensure it serves human development, as we balance artificial intelligence with emotional intelligence in our decision-making.”
The 2025 HDR outlines three key priorities for leveraging AI to advance human development:
Building economies where humans and AI collaborate, rather than compete.
Designing innovation with intent – ensuring that opportunity and inclusion are embedded in AI systems.
Investing in capabilities that count, particularly in education and healthcare, to ensure everyone can thrive in a digital future.
The Honourable Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr. Tambo Gina, described the HDR as one of the most influential global development publications.
“Since its inception in 1990, the HDR has helped reframe the global development agenda by placing people, not just economies, at the centre of progress. Its core message is that development is about expanding people’s capabilities, freedoms, and choices to live long, healthy, and meaningful lives,” he said.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Gina, the Honourable Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Ms. Savannah Maziya, highlighted that the 2025 HDR continues this tradition by exploring the profound implications of digital technology – especially AI – on human development.
Maziya affirmed Eswatini’s view of AI as an opportunity rather than a threat:
“While it may disrupt traditional employment roles, AI also presents new avenues for job creation. The World Economic Forum predicts that, although 85 million jobs may be displaced by 2025, 97 million new ones will emerge due to the evolving division of labour between humans, machines, and algorithms,” she said.
Adding, Maziya said young people will have new opportunities, citizens will experience enhanced convenience and investors will benefit from a highly-skilled local workforce.
A UNESWA student, Bandile Sithole, adds her voice to the conversation on the role of AI in human development.
UNDP/Thoba Dlamini
Other key speakers included UNESWA Vice Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala, who stressed the importance of ethical AI use and expressed appreciation to UNDP for choosing to host the event at the university. The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. George Wachira urged stakeholders to remain optimistic about AI's potential while also investing in education systems that foster innovation and production.
“We must be mindful of the diversity of cultures and languages in the AI space and take deliberate steps to train AI systems that reflect our needs and realities,” he said.
The British High Commissioner to Eswatini, His Excellency Mr. Colin Wells, also contributed to the dialogue, emphasising the importance for the Eswatini Government, administrators, the private sector, and the security and other sectors to remain alert to the potential of digital transformation and AI in building better societies, driving economic growth, creating jobs, reducing inefficiencies and corruption, and alleviating poverty.
“In my own country, digital transformation is not just reshaping industries, it’s redefining the very fabric of communities across the UK,” said Wells, adding: “From bustling city centres to remote rural villages, technology is creating new pathways for connection, opportunity and resilience.
The event marked a significant step in Eswatini’s ongoing efforts to align national development with global trends, ensuring that technological progress supports inclusive, equitable, and sustainable growth.