Annual Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) Conference

The Annual Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference which takes place
over two days was first introduced in 2017. It was launched by the former Minister of
Information, Communication and Technology, Mr Dumsani Ndlangamandla. The objectives
of the Conference are to:
(i) Develop the entrepreneurial capacity of participants;
(ii) Create market opportunities for start-ups and SMEs;
(iii) Connect startups and SMEs with industry experts and business executives
for advice and/or mentoring; and
(iv) Stimulate innovation and investment in start-ups in the country.
The number of participants increased from 100 in the first year to 360 in 2018. In 2017, the
Technology and Innovation Agency which is a public entity of the Republic of South Africa
sponsored a Guest Speaker while Angelique International Limited provided a consultant
from a business incubator in India. The speakers delivered various presentations on what it
takes to create a start-up culture and innovative society.
In 2018, the Conference was officially opened by the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of
Information and Communications Technology, Mr Maxwell Masuku, who was representing
Her Royal Highness Inkhosatana Sikhanyiso the Minister of Information, Communication
and Technology. The distinguished speakers from the private sector who shared their
experiences in starting and running businesses were complemented by speakers from the
United Nations Development Programme and the Delegation of the European Union to
Eswatini complemented. The following companies partnered with RSTP as exhibitors and
also delivered presentations on services that are relevant to small enterprises: Eswatini Stock
Exchange; MTN Eswatini; Standard Bank; National Industrial Development Company of
Eswatini; Inhlanyelo Fund; Financial Services Regulatory Authority; and Eswatini
Development Finance Corporation.