Eswatini launches AI safety centre to boost Africa's technology capacity

Eswatini has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety and Standards Centre of Excellence to strengthen Africa's capacity to develop, assess and regulate AI systems.

The centre, established through a partnership between the Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA) and AICE Africa, will focus on AI governance, technical skills development, research and testing to promote responsible adoption of the technology.

ESWASA Executive Director Ncamiso Mhlanga said the initiative would help businesses and public institutions assess AI systems and ensure they meet required standards.

“As AI becomes part of how businesses and public services operate, standards bodies must be able to assess it,” said Mhlanga.

He said the authority would begin by integrating AI into its internal operations before extending the expertise to industries and other institutions.

AICE Africa Chief Executive Officer John Kamara said the partnership would build local expertise and reduce reliance on external institutions in assessing AI technologies.

“AI sovereignty requires institutions that can evaluate, govern and improve the systems they depend on,” said Kamara.

The centre will also train standards officers, auditors, regulators and technical professionals in AI governance, risk management and assessment.

Its long-term plans include establishing an AI safety research and testing laboratory to evaluate systems against African languages, data, infrastructure and social conditions.

The initiative will draw on international standards, including ISO/IEC 42001 and ISO/IEC 23894, which provide guidance on AI management and risk management.

The partners also plan to hold an AI Safety and Standards Summit in Mbabane in July 2027 to advance regional cooperation and strengthen Africa's participation in global AI standards development.