“We spread the wings, you take the initiative.”
– RSTP
His Majesty King Mswati III of The Kingdom of Eswatini
The Royal Science & Technology Park of the Kingdom of Eswatini is the heart to stimulate economic activities and seamless trade and investment with our diverse ecosystem. This initiative is His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision to increase the kingdom’s economic growth and increase human capacity by developing a knowledge-based economy and infrastructure by exploring Science, Technology and Innovation.
The Kingdom of Eswatini, along with the rest of the developing countries, continues to face socio-economic challenges of the 21st century. Reality has shown that in spite of vigorous government initiatives to attract foreign direct investment and stimulating local investments, our economy has not been growing at levels that would increase wealth creation and reduce poverty. It is thus imperative that new approaches to industrial development to be explored.
Therefore, the country aims to be renowned internationally for her swiftness in exploring science, technology and innovation as means to increase its economic growth and increase capacity by developing a knowledge-based economy and infrastructure thus substantially alleviating poverty.
“As we reflect on our success and the growth of the nation. In celebrating our 40 years of peace and stability, we shall be unleashing the development potential of our country. This is the theme for this year I urge all citizens to stand up and be proudly counted as part of this move to turn our past challenges into opportunities as we propel ourselves to greater heights,’’ – Stated by His Majesty during the Kingdom’s 40/40 celebrations in 2008.
Our science and technology park will provide a comparatively excellent infrastructure and we are determined to offer competitive incentives for investments. We invite you to be part of this technological development initiative.
The Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) was created through the vision of His Majesty King Mswati III. The Vision is well enshrined in the Act of Parliament, the Royal Science and Technology Park Act of 2012. The Vision is the first comprehensive effort to promote science, technology and innovation in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The aim of the RSTP is to provide steadfast support for basic research and innovation. In doing so, we provide a coherent approach to maximising the innovation dividend.
The idea to develop a science and technology park started in 2007 with the creation of an initial concept. In 2008 a team of experts conducted a study to decide the feasibility of launching such a park. They completed the study in 2009 and found that the idea was feasible and that it would be a gain to the economy of Eswatini and therefore a master plan was developed in 2010. In 2012 the Swazi Government passed the Royal Science and Technology Act which led to the Royal Science and Technology Park being formed as an official institution.
The Royal Science and Technology Park is divided into two divisions which are the IT Park and the Biotechnology Park. It manages about 317.17ha of land, for which 152ha is dedicated to industrial development land and 165.17ha is shared between research and laboratories, administration centers and residential buildings.
The RSTP has been designated as a special economic zone (SEZ) which will afford unique incentives to attract foreign direct investments.
RSTP Acting C.E.O Ms Nomvula Shongwe-Gulwako CA (SD)
Stimulate and purse research on the on the commercialization potential of indigenous plants and animals
Enhance sustainable use and protection of environment resources
Explore trade opportunities that exist for Swaziland's nature based production in the local, region and global market.
Create opportunity for employment of local people and for local business entrepreneurs to participate in harnessing the country's natural resources and benefit from its commercialization and trade.
Enhance contribution of research to economic and social development across all relevant areas of public policy including agriculture, health , environment and the marine and natural resources
Increase participation in the sciences by young people and attract tourism and eco-tourism development
To be the leading oasis of science and innovative technologies for wealth creation
We are the hub for stimulating science and innovative technologies for commercialization in the Kingdom of Eswatini. To achieve the mission we:
