Driven by a bold vision to transform eSwatini into a tech titan, King Mswati III spearheaded the creation of the Royal Science & Technology Park, a hub fostering scientific advancement and innovation.
The Royal Science & Technology Park (RSTP) is a science and technology hub established in 2007 in the Kingdom of eSwatini. Its inception, fueled by the forward-thinking vision of King Mswati III, was formalized through the enactment of the Royal Science & Technology Park Act in 2012. Spearheading this innovative initiative is Vumile Dlamini.
RSTP's main mission is to champion science, technology, and innovation within Eswatini, fostering an environment that cultivates research, development, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Spanning an expansive 317.17 hectares, the park comprises two distinct sites: the Nokwane Site and the Phocweni Site.
Dedicated to information technology services and products, the Phocweni Site boasts a specialized training center known as the Advanced School of IT. Affiliated with Aptech, a global leader in training solutions, this center caters to both retail and corporate sectors. Furthermore, the site hosts a business incubator designed to stimulate innovation in pivotal sectors such as information and communication technologies, biotechnology, agriculture and food, climate and the environment, waste management (green solutions), and indigenous knowledge systems.
Notably, the Phocweni Site is equipped with essential infrastructure, including a national contact center and a national data center. The latter plays a crucial role in delivering secure, efficient, and reliable ICT services to businesses while actively contributing to the advancement of e-government and championing digital inclusion throughout the Kingdom of eSwatini.
The second site, Nokwane, houses a research unit that serves as a multi-purpose platform for research and development in biotechnology-related technologies, production, product marketing, and trade.
Under the Kingdom's Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act 2018, the Royal Science & Technology Park has been designated a Special Economic Zone.
Melchior Koba
