KWALUSENI – Inkhosikati Make LaMatsebula officially opened the 2025 ESWERA-DEASA-KEAS-RSTP International Conference yesterday at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), calling for stronger partnerships and innovation to advance education and bridge the digital divide.
The three-day conference brings together educators, researchers, policymakers, and innovators from across the region to discuss how technology can transform learning systems and promote inclusive education. It is held under the theme “Education in the 21st Century: Access, Sustainability, Affordability, Innovation and Relevance.”
Inkhosikati Make LaMatsebula, who serves as the patron of the Eswatini Educational Research Association (ESWERA), said education remains the foundation of national development and urged stakeholders to ensure that learning opportunities reach every child, regardless of location or background.
She also launched the inaugural volume of the Eswatini Education Research Journal (ESWERJ), which documents local and regional research in the education sector.
Reflecting on ESWERA’s journey, Inkhosikati noted that the association was founded in the early 1980s under the BOLESWA vision and continues to serve as a platform for collaboration among Eswatini, Botswana, and Lesotho in advancing education research. She commended ESWERA’s resilience in hosting and participating in research initiatives despite financial challenges, saying it has amplified local scholars’ voices and strengthened Eswatini’s link with the Southern Africa Educational Research Network (SAERN).
The Chairperson of the ICT Portfolio Committee, Her Royal Highness Princess Ncengencenge, said information and communication technology and education are key drivers of Eswatini’s transformation. She stated that investing in digital infrastructure and skills is vital to preparing the next generation to compete in a global knowledge economy.
Representing the Minister of ICT, Under Secretary Macanjana Motsa said the Ministry continues to promote digital access and innovation through initiatives that support equitable learning and enhance the nation’s technological capacity.
Inkhosikati Make LaMatsebula said the Royal Science and Technology Park, established under the 2012 Act of Parliament, reflects government’s commitment to fostering research, digital innovation, and scientific advancement.
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