BY TANDZILE DLAMINI

MBABANE —The Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting smart city initiatives in Eswatini, emphasizing its readiness to partner with municipalities, other investors, and government agencies to develop sustainable and inclusive urban projects.

Speaking at the Smart City Business Masterclass, the PSPF CEO Masotja Vilakati, highlighted the fund’s long-term investment approach, noting that pension funds are well-positioned to help bridge infrastructure gaps in cities through strategic, risk-adjusted investments.

The fund has already invested in projects such as the Lower Maguduza hydroelectric project, which is fully executed by a local company, and the Gege- Sicunusa road project, which enhances regional mobility and commerce. PSPF has also been involved in real estate developments in Mbabane, Manzini, Hlangano, and Spiki, as well as supporting digital and mobile infrastructure to improve connectivity and service delivery.

The keynote speaker stressed that smart cities are not only about technology but about people, purpose, security, and prosperity. The representative also highlighted the importance of aligning governance structures, regulatory frameworks, and investment strategies to ensure the success of urban projects, while integrating social impact metrics such as local employment and the inclusion of local partners.

“ESPF and other institutional investors in Eswatini stand ready to finance the future of smart cities,” the PSPF representative said, adding that collaboration with regulators, municipalities, and other investors is key to turning cities like Mbabane a model smart city for Eswatini and beyond.

The event underscored how smart city development, supported by long-term investors like PSPF, can enhance infrastructure, technology integration, and sustainability while improving the lives of citizens across Eswatini.