UNDP Eswatini

01/08/2026

30/07/2026

From baking biscuits in his mother's kitchen in 2018 to walking into a purpose-built production facility, Lungelo Dlamini's entrepreneurial journey reached a remarkable milestone today.

As the founder of Patience Delight, Lungelo joined the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, in cutting the ribbon to officially open the Ingelo Incubation Production Facility at Mpolonjeni, in the Hhohho Region. For Lungelo, this was the realisation of a dream to grow his business and one day supply formal retail markets and even airlines.

Like many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Patience Delight faced a major hurdle: meeting the food safety, health and quality standards required to access formal markets. Without certification, many promising businesses remain confined to informal markets with limited opportunities for sustainable growth.

To address this challenge, UNDP partnered with the Eswatini Standards Authority (SWASA), the Quality and Regulatory Infrastructure Department (QIRD), the SME Unit and the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade to establish the Ingelo Local Certification Scheme.

Through this partnership, Government also invested in incubation production facilities that enable MSMEs to manufacture products that meet national quality standards. Lungelo is one of 20 MSMEs participating in the Ingelo programme and the third entrepreneur to receive an incubation facility, which he will use for the next four years before it is allocated to another deserving business.

The Minister also presented an Ingelo Certificate to Lujilo Honey Products, represented by directors Vusi Nkambule and William Kelly, recognising that their products now meet the required quality standards for retail shelves and export markets.

UNDP Resident Representative, Henrik Franklin, was among other dignitaries that participated at the event which was also joined by the local community.

When partnerships invest in quality, innovation and entrepreneurship, they do more than support businesses, they unlock opportunities, create jobs and strengthen Eswatini's economy.



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28/07/2026

Today, 35 participants from UNDP Eswatini, the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), and Incomati Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) commenced a three-day training aimed at enhancing technical skills and institutional capacity in Social and Environmental Standards (SES), Stakeholder Response Mechanism (SRM), and Gender Mainstreaming.

The workshop, held Sibane Sami Hotel, Ezulwini, was officially opened by the UNDP Resident Representative, Henrik Franklin, alongside EEA Executive Director, Gcina Dladla, and is being facilitated by UNDP SES Lead Specialist, Andrew Chinyepe.

The training is equipping participants with practical tools to strengthen social and environmental safeguards, risk management, grievance redress mechanisms, gender-responsive programming, and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH). It also supports institutions in strengthening their systems and processes to deliver development results that are sustainable, inclusive, and accountable.


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15/07/2026

After six months of learning, growth and hands-on experience, 18 young graduates have successfully completed their internships at Standard Bank Eswatini under the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP).

The programme, funded by the Government of Eswatini through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development and implemented with support from UNDP, is helping bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with practical workplace experience and critical professional skills.

In an exciting development, today at an offboarding event held at the UN House, Mbabane, Standard Bank Eswatini announced that eight graduates from the cohort will join its one-year Graduate-in-Training (GIT) Programme, creating an even stronger pathway to meaningful careers.

Together, Government, the private sector and development partners are investing in Eswatini's greatest asset – its young people.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4aTkF34

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09/07/2026

Today we witnessed the official opening of the first production cottage under the Ingelo Certification Scheme at Lugongolweni Inkhundla, a major milestone in strengthening Eswatini's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The facility will provide MSMEs with access to quality production infrastructure, helping them meet the standards required to access formal local and international markets.

As a key development partner supporting the establishment and implementation of the Ingelo Certification Scheme, UNDP is proud to work alongside the Government of Eswatini to help MSMEs improve product quality, achieve certification, and unlock new market opportunities. The scheme is laying the foundation for more competitive, resilient and export-ready local enterprises, some of them owned by women and young people.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, and his team, including the MSME Unit, SEDCO and ESWASA, on the successful construction and completion of the first three production cottages, with three more expected to be completed before the end of the financial year. These facilities will significantly strengthen the productive capacity of MSMEs and support compliance with the Ingelo Certification Scheme's quality standards.

Congratulations also go to Titselo TemaSwati, a youth- and women-owned start-up specialising in dried fruits, for becoming the first beneficiary of the production cottage. Co-founder Lungelo Maziya joined the Minister in cutting the ribbon and unveiling the commemorative plaque.

We further congratulate Tsawela Honey for becoming the first company to attain the highest quality standards under the Ingelo Certification Scheme. Managing Director Nathi Motsa proudly received the certification from the Minister, marking an important achievement for the company and a testament to the value of the scheme.


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07/07/2026

The Governments of Eswatini and Japan, in partnership with UNDP, have launched the Japan–Eswatini Green and Digital Transformation (GX-DX) Demonstration Project to introduce renewable energy and smart logistics solutions at King Mswati III International Airport.

Funded by the Government of Japan, the project will support cleaner, smarter and more efficient airport operations through solar energy systems, energy-efficient cargo facilities and digital coordination tools. Beyond improving operational efficiency and reducing energy costs, the initiative will strengthen trade logistics, enhance regional connectivity and contribute to Eswatini's transition to a greener and more resilient economy.

This partnership demonstrates how innovation, technology and international cooperation can accelerate sustainable development while creating opportunities for future investment and economic growth.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4fmbmet


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07/07/2026

From clean, reliable solar energy powering one of Eswatini’s busiest hospitals to enhanced climate information and disaster preparedness systems that help protect lives and livelihoods, two transformative projects funded by the Government of Italy demonstrate how strategic partnerships can deliver tangible benefits for people and the planet.

We are grateful to the Government of Italy, the Government of Eswatini, and all partners whose collaboration is making a lasting difference to which UNDP provided technical and administrative support.

🎬 Watch the documentary below to hear the stories behind the impact.

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06/07/2026

UNDP Eswatini invites qualified firms to design and implement a six-month Creative Talent Acceleration, Professionalization and Commercialization Programme for youth with an interest or demonstrated potential in the creative and entertainment industries. The programme should equip emerging creatives in fields such as music, performing arts, comedy, spoken word, podcasting, MCing, dance, digital entertainment, content creation, acting, media production and related sectors with practical skills, commercialization readiness, market linkages, audience development opportunities and professional industry exposure to support sustainable livelihoods.

For more information and application details: https://bit.ly/4b87YBw

Application deadline: 10 July 2026

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06/07/2026

Eswatini has reached another important milestone in its journey towards climate resilience and sustainable development.

Through a partnership between the Governments of Eswatini and Italy, with technical and administrative support from UNDP, two landmark projects have officially been completed and handed over to the respective institutions:

☀️ A 1 MW solar photovoltaic system at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, reducing electricity costs by approximately 50% and enabling savings to be reinvested into critical healthcare services, including the introduction of cytology services.

🌦️ Enhanced early warning systems and climate services, including new automated weather stations, river-flow monitoring infrastructure and improved forecasting capabilities to help communities prepare for climate-related hazards.

Together, these investments are strengthening healthcare, expanding renewable energy, improving disaster preparedness and reinforcing Eswatini's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4vSd516

Read more about the Greening the RFM Hospital Demonstration Project: https://bit.ly/4v78kPX

Read about the Strengthening Early Warning Systems and Climate Services: https://bit.ly/4vHHVcE


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29/06/2026

Calling young African creatives!

Use culture, creativity and digital innovation to help build more peaceful and inclusive societies through the hashtag Youth Online Innovation Challenge.

🔗 Apply here: shorturl.at/xp3ge
📅 Applications close: 2 July 2026 hashtag