A nearly E12 million grant from the Government of Japan is set to transform King Mswati III International Airport into a demonstration site for green and digital aviation technologies, with the project expected to improve energy efficiency, modernise cargo operations and strengthen Eswatini’s trade competitiveness.
Speaking during the signing ceremony of the Japan–Eswatini Green and Digital Transformation Demonstration Project, Henrik Franklin said the initiative marked the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at supporting sustainable economic development through innovation, clean energy and digital transformation.
Franklin said Japan had provided a grant of US$693,333 (11 259 311,92), to support the greening of King Mswati III International Airport. “It is an honour to be part of this important signing ceremony marking the start of the Japan–Eswatini Green and Digital Transformation Demonstration Project at King Mswati III International Airport,” he said.
He commended the Government of Japan for its continued support to Eswatini, saying the partnership extended beyond financial assistance to include technology, innovation and long-term cooperation. Franklin also thanked the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development for allowing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to continue supporting the Government in advancing the country’s economic development agenda.
He said the project directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting clean energy, innovation, resilient infrastructure, climate action and partnerships. Franklin described energy as one of the most important drivers of economic development, saying reliable and affordable energy is essential for industrialisation, attracting investment, improving logistics and supporting enterprise growth.
He noted that while Eswatini’s aviation industry was still developing, it held significant potential to contribute to trade, tourism, logistics and industrialisation. According to Franklin, the project will introduce renewable energy solutions, smart logistics technologies and improved cargo systems to help the airport operate more efficiently while reducing its environmental footprint.
He said the demonstration project would generate practical evidence that could support future expansion and larger investments in sustainable aviation infrastructure. Franklin added that positioning King Mswati III International Airport as a demonstration site for Japanese green and digital technologies could create opportunities for exporters, logistics companies, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as future investment partnerships.
He said the initiative reflected a strong partnership between the Governments of Eswatini and Japan, the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority and UNDP, all working towards using green and digital solutions to drive economic development.
Franklin reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting the Government throughout the implementation of the project, saying the organisation would ensure the initiative was delivered with accountability and measurable results.
He described the Japanese grant as more than financial support, saying it represented a strategic investment in innovation, renewable energy, trade facilitation and the long-term competitiveness of Eswatini’s aviation and logistics sector. Franklin also commended ESWACAA, under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, for leading the operational implementation of the project.
