Mbabane, Eswatini – October 14, 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has emerged as a key supporter of innovation and entrepreneurship in Eswatini. At the Innovation Forum organized by the Kingdom of Eswatini Academy of Sciences (KEAS) and Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Thobile Dlamini, Senior Business Incubation Advisor at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), highlighted UNDP’s unique role in funding innovation and startup incubation hubs in the country.
UNDP has been instrumental in fostering innovation through various initiatives, including the Enhancing Innovative Capacity for SDG Solutions project. Implemented in partnership with Standard Bank and RSTP, this project provided seed capital and business incubation support to approximately 20 young entrepreneurs, empowering them to launch their startups.
Zandile Mthembu, Head of Experimentation at the UNDP Accelerator Lab, discussed UNDP’s commitment to promoting innovation. Established five years ago, the UNDP Accelerator Labs identify and test innovative solutions to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eswatini is one of the 115 countries with an Accelerator Lab.
Mthembu emphasized that innovation goes beyond technological advancements. It involves creating new solutions to address old problems, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring that no one is left behind. Innovation should have a tangible impact and create value for the end-user.
UNDP is leveraging innovation to support communities in developing solutions that address pressing challenges. The Accelerator Lab recently collaborated with women to explore solutions to disposable diaper pollution, drawing on their experiences to propose innovative approaches.
