LocationsInitiative to strengthen sustainable aviation, trade and economic competitiveness at King Mswati III International Airport
Japan and Eswatini Partner to Drive Green and Digital Transformation
July 7, 2026
UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Henrik Franklin, and Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Mr Siboniso Masilela, sign the partnership while the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe looks on.
UNDP Eswatini/Mantoe Phakathi
The Governments of Eswatini and Japan, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on July 07 launched a strategic initiative to transform operations at King Mswati III International Airport through renewable energy and smart logistics technologies.
The Japan–Eswatini Green and Digital Transformation (GX-DX) Demonstration Project will introduce innovative green energy and digital solutions designed to improve airport efficiency, reduce operational costs, strengthen cargo handling systems and position Eswatini as a more competitive trade and logistics hub in Southern Africa.
Funded by the Government of Japan with a grant of USD 693,333 and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA), the project represents a major investment in sustainable infrastructure and digital innovation. It aligns with Eswatini's national development priorities while advancing global efforts to build resilient, low-carbon transport systems.
Modernising airport operations
The project will address critical operational challenges affecting airport performance, including high energy costs, carbon-intensive infrastructure and inefficient cargo coordination.
Key interventions include the installation of solar energy systems, energy-efficient cargo handling facilities and digital coordination tools that will streamline cargo movement, reduce delays and improve operational efficiency.
Beyond modernising airport infrastructure, the project is expected to generate practical evidence on the benefits of green and digital technologies in aviation, creating opportunities for future investment and replication across the region.
A catalyst for sustainable development
Speaking during the official signing ceremony at ESWACAA headquarters in Matsapha, UNDP Resident Representative Mr Henrik Franklin described the initiative as a practical investment in sustainable development, innovation and economic transformation.
"King Mswati III International Airport is an important national asset," he said. "Through this project, we are supporting practical improvements that can help the airport operate in a greener, smarter, and more efficient way."
He added that the demonstration project would provide valuable evidence on the effectiveness of green and digital technologies in the aviation sector while laying the foundation for future scale-up.
Stakeholders pose for a photo after the launch of the project.
UNDP Eswatini/Mantoe Phakathi
Strengthening trade and regional connectivity
Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, said the initiative marks an important milestone in Eswatini's transition towards sustainable infrastructure and technological innovation.
He noted that renewable energy technologies and digital solutions will improve operational efficiency, strengthen cargo and logistics capabilities and enhance King Mswati III International Airport's role as a strategic gateway for regional trade and connectivity.
“These priorities include the promotion of sustainable infrastructure, enhance digital transformation, strengthen economic competitiveness, encourage investment, facilitate trade, and create opportunities for skills development and technology transfer,” he said.
The partnership also reflects the strong and growing cooperation between Eswatini and Japan. The project aligns with Japan's broader commitments under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework, which promotes sustainable, inclusive and resilient development through innovation, digital transformation, climate-smart infrastructure, and private-sector-led growth.
Delivering evidence for future investment
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Ms Thabsile Mlangeni, represented by Undersecretary Mr Siboniso Masilela, welcomed the project as a strategic intervention that supports Eswatini's national development agenda.
He said the project's demonstration approach will generate critical evidence on energy savings, operational efficiency, cargo coordination and future investment requirements, enabling informed decisions on scaling similar solutions nationwide.
The initiative also supports Eswatini's ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving logistics efficiency, facilitating trade and creating an enabling environment for investment and economic growth.
A model for green aviation in Africa
As implementation gets underway, stakeholders expressed confidence that the project will showcase how renewable energy and digital innovation can transform airport operations while contributing to climate action and sustainable economic development.
By combining clean energy with smart logistics, the Japan–Eswatini Green and Digital Transformation Demonstration Project positions King Mswati III International Airport as a model for sustainable aviation infrastructure in the region. The lessons generated through the initiative are expected to inform future investments and reinforce Eswatini's vision of becoming a competitive, resilient and environmentally responsible trade and logistics hub.