In a landmark moment for Eswatini’s digital transformation, the capital city has moved from “Theory” to Global Execution. Following a high-profile recognition at the 2026 Smart City Summit & Expo in Taipei, Taiwan, His Worship the Mayor Thulani Mkhonto has officially presented the 2026 System Integration Export Award to the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala.
This award—presented to Mbabane for its pioneering 5G Smart City Pilot Project—is more than a trophy; it is a “Source Verified” validation of the Kingdom’s “Government in Your Hand” vision.
The System Integration Export Award is a prestigious global honor reserved for cities that successfully integrate complex digital technologies into tangible urban solutions. Mbabane stood out among international competitors for its rapid and effective implementation of the E36 Million smart city infrastructure, funded and supported by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The Winning Infrastructure Includes:
The presentation of the award to Minister Appolo Maphalala by Mayor Mkhonto reinforces that the “Smart Mbabane” success is now the blueprint for a Smart Eswatini. During the ceremony, it was noted that the success in Mbabane has already triggered the next phase of national expansion. Following the summit in Taipei, a new agreement has been signed with International Integrated Systems Inc. (IISI) to scale these smart technologies to Manzini and Matsapha. This ensures that the innovation recognized globally is delivering local impact across the Kingdom’s industrial and commercial hubs.
This achievement is a direct result of the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) and the deep diplomatic ties between Eswatini and Taiwan. With Taiwan’s expertise in AI and system integration, Mbabane has become a “living lab” for African urban innovation.
The Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, who also represented the Kingdom in Taipei, has emphasized that this project is a critical step toward making Eswatini a competitive player in the global digital economy.
The 2026 System Integration Export Award proves that Mbabane is no longer just a participant in the smart city conversation—it is a leader. For the Eswatini citizen, this means safer streets, better connectivity, and a more responsive government. For the investor, it signals a city that is technologically “Open for Business.”
Execution Over Theory. Smart Mbabane. Smart Eswatini.
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