MATSAPHA – The Government of Japan has committed nearly E12 million towards a project aimed at transforming King Mswati III International Airport into a greener and more technologically advanced aviation hub.
The Japan–Eswatini Green and Digital Transformation Demonstration Project was officially launched yesterday through the signing of an agreement at the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) offices in Matsapha.
Speaking during the ceremony, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Henrik Franklin said Japan had provided a grant of US$693 333 (just under E12 million) to support the greening of the airport.
Franklin described the investment as more than financial assistance, saying it represented a strategic partnership focused on innovation, clean energy and economic transformation.
“We are kick-starting today a project through which the Government of Japan has made a generous grant investment of US$693 333 for greening the airport,” he said.
He commended Japan for its continued support to Eswatini, saying the country’s assistance had consistently gone beyond financing to include technology, innovation and long-term partnerships.
Franklin also thanked the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development for continuing to work with the UNDP to advance the country’s development agenda.
He said the project aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting clean energy, innovation, infrastructure, climate action and partnerships.
Franklin noted that reliable and affordable energy remained a key driver of economic growth, industrialisation and investment.
“Energy is one of the most important enablers of development. It is not only about electricity. It is about productivity, jobs, competitiveness and economic transformation,” he said.
Although Eswatini’s aviation industry was still developing, Franklin said it had significant potential to contribute to trade, tourism, logistics and industrialisation.
He said the project would introduce renewable energy technologies, smart logistics systems and measures to improve cargo handling efficiency at King Mswati III International Airport.
According to Franklin, the initiative is designed as a demonstration project that will test practical green and digital technologies before they are expanded on a larger scale.
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Minister for Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe and UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin with ESWACAA and government officials during the launch of the Japan–Eswatini Green and Digital Transformation Demonstration Project. (Pic: Timothy Simelane)