LocationsMacetjeni iHub Opens to Expand Digital Opportunities
August 6, 2026
Macetjeni iHub officially opened its doors on 06 August 2026.
As Eswatini continues to address the dual challenges of youth unemployment and the digital divide, a second Innovation Hub (iHub) has officially opened in Macetjeni, Lubombo Region, creating new opportunities for digital learning, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic participation.
The facility was officially launched on 06 August through a partnership between the Government of Eswatini and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marking another important step towards empowering communities through technology and innovation.
While almost 95% of the country is covered by 4G networks, according to the World Bank, internet usage remains at approximately 58%, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that improve meaningful access to digital technologies and equip citizens with skills to participate in the digital economy. At the same time, youth unemployment remains one of the country’s most pressing development challenges, affecting an estimated 56% of young people.
Bridging the Digital Divide Through Local Innovation
The Macetjeni iHub is a digital one-stop centre designed to provide young people, women, small business owners and persons with disabilities with access to digital skills training, innovation support and entrepreneurship development services.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), through the Universal Access Service Fund under the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT); the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade; and UNDP.
Funding for the facility was provided by ESCCOM through the Universal Access Service Fund and Ministry of Economic Planning and Development through the UNDP-supported Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP), while SEDCO provided the premises that house the hub.
The launch was officiated by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo; the Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Hon. Savanna Maziya, represented by the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Hon. Sikhumbuzo Dlamini; and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Henrik Franklin.
Social entrepreneur, Siphiwo Lushaba, who runs the Macetjeni iHub delivers his remarks.
Creating Pathways for Youth and Community Development
Although the Macetjeni iHub only began operations in May 2026, it is already demonstrating its potential as a catalyst for youth empowerment and community transformation.
By June, the hub had enrolled its first cohort of 15 participants in a basic computer skills training programme, 14 of whom were young people. The group consisted of 10 women and five men, reflecting a strong emphasis on inclusive participation.
According to Mr Siphiwo Lushaba, the young social entrepreneur and founding director of Tofo Digital, selected through a competitive process to manage the hub, approximately 50 young people and women have been visiting the facility each month to access the internet, build digital skills and explore new opportunities for learning and entrepreneurship.
“By the end of July, we had completed our two-month course. The transformation in their confidence and capabilities was visible for all to see,” said Lushaba. “Since opening, we have seen a large number of high school students visiting the hub not just for computer access, but for guidance, mentorship and inspiration.”
Beyond providing connectivity, the hub offers a safe and inclusive space where young people can develop skills, access information and gain exposure to opportunities that can improve their prospects.
Building on a Successful Model
The launch of the Macetjeni iHub builds on the success of the first facility established in Piggs Peak, Hhohho Region, in June last year.
The Piggs Peak iHub has evolved beyond a traditional computer laboratory into a community innovation centre where residents access digital literacy training, entrepreneurship support and employment-related services. The centre has also expanded its learning programmes through partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Sikhumbuzo Dlamini noted that the Piggs Peak experience demonstrates the transformative potential of community-based digital innovation centres.
“The centre has become much more than just a computer lab. It is a place where young people receive digital training, entrepreneurs access support, job seekers prepare applications and communities engage in programmes that stimulate local economic development,” he said.
Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade, Hon Manqoba Khumalo, and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Henrik Franklin flanked by Lubombo Regional Secretary, Ms Swane Dlamini and Ministry of ICT Principal Secretary, Mr Andreas Dlamini.
Investing in Potential and Inclusive Growth
UNDP Resident Representative Mr Henrik Franklin described the Macetjeni iHub as a strategic investment in people and communities, made possible through the Government of Eswatini’s commitment to youth empowerment.
He noted that the hub reflects a deliberate effort under the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme to expand access to opportunities and ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the digital transformation agenda.
“When people speak about development, we often focus on what rural communities lack. We talk about infrastructure gaps. We talk about connectivity gaps. We talk about service gaps,” said Franklin. “But today, standing here at Macetjeni, I believe we should focus on something different. We should focus on potential because the young people of Macetjeni have the same talent, ambition and creativity as young people anywhere else in Eswatini.”
His remarks underscored the importance of investing in local talent and creating environments where innovation can flourish, regardless of geographical location.
Strengthening Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunities
Speaking during the inauguration, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Hon. Manqoba Khumalo highlighted the role of digital technologies in strengthening entrepreneurship and expanding market opportunities for emerging businesses.
“We would like businesses in Eswatini not only to operate physically but also to enter the digital space,” he said. “The people of Macetjeni will not be the same because there are businesses that are going to be established as a result of the iHub.”
SEDCO Chief Executive Officer Ms Khetsiwe Mhlanga echoed these sentiments, describing the facility as an engine for innovation and economic empowerment.
“This is a place where women, youth and persons with disabilities can gather to develop new skills, improve themselves and start businesses,” she said.
Similarly, Acting ESCCOM representative Mr Sicelo Simelane noted that the Universal Access Fund enables the Commission to extend the social and economic benefits of communications technology to every iSwati, ensuring that communities across the country can participate in the digital economy.
By bringing together government, development partners and local communities, the initiative demonstrates how strategic partnerships can help bridge digital divides, empower young people and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient future for Eswatini.