The Municipal Council of Mbabane (MCM) hosted its second edition of the Smart City Living Masterclass under the theme ‘Transforming Mbabane into a Responsive Smart City to Drive Economic Growth’. The event convened a diverse group of leaders, including innovators, development partners and financial institutions, to discuss how technology, innovation and sustainable governance can collectively shape a smarter, greener and more resilient capital city. The session was headlined by Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) CEO, Masotja Vilakati, who delivered the keynote address and MCM Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze, who presented the council’s vision and roadmap towards a smart and inclusive Mbabane. Driving economic growth through smart governance In her presentation, Fakudze outlined Mbabane’s economic outlook, reaffirming its role as the administrative and financial hub of Eswatini and the anchor of the nation’s service, finance and governance economy. She noted that local opportunities lie in digital transformation, green infrastructure and managing urban growth pressures.The municipality’s roadmap is guided by the Integrated Development Plan (2024–2029), the Town Planning Scheme under review and the Local Economic Development Strategy (2019–2025). These frameworks form the foundation for transforming Mbabane into a responsive smart city. Strategic priorities for a smarter Mbabane Under its smart city strategic priorities, MCM focuses on: - Digital transformation: Enhancing e-governance, open data systems and ICT integration in urban management. Infrastructure development: Modernising roads, improving lighting and stormwater systems and promoting renewable energy. - Economic diversification: Promoting investment, innovation industries, tourism infrastructure and circular economy initiatives. - Urban resilience: Leveraging real-time data for planning, safety and traffic management while deepening stakeholder engagement. - Digital inclusion: Expanding Wi-Fi hotspots and promoting digital literacy to ensure that no resident is left behind. Fakudze emphasised that the ultimate goal is to position Mbabane as an inclusive, data-driven and sustainable city that improves service delivery,