Eswatini deploys two female officers to prestigious UAE Peace and Security Training Programme

The Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Hon. Savannah Maziya, has announced the deployment of two female officers from the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) to the Peace and Security Training Programme at the Khawla Bint Al Azwar Military School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates — the first military institution for women in the Arab world.

The officers, First Lieutenant Lomagugu Hlatshwako and Second Lieutenant Agape Simelane, were selected following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Ministry of ICT on 26 September 2025, under the SHE Powers Africa Initiative. The landmark agreement, witnessed by His Majesty King Mswati III, was facilitated in collaboration with the UAE Government and the UAE Gender Balance Council, marking a significant milestone in advancing women’s leadership, peacekeeping, and digital innovation.

Hon. Savannah Maziya congratulated the officers on their achievement, describing their selection as “a national pride and a testament to the limitless potential of young women in Eswatini.” She emphasized that their participation symbolizes Eswatini’s growing commitment to empowering women in global peace and security initiatives.

The training programme includes seven weeks of basic military instruction and two weeks of specialised peacekeeping training, culminating in accredited certification in Basic Military Training, Peacekeeping, First Aid, and Jiu-Jitsu. The UAE Government will provide full sponsorship covering flights, accommodation, meals, uniforms, medical insurance, cultural excursions, and certification.

Through this collaboration, Eswatini strengthens its presence in international peacekeeping and expands its engagement in emerging security domains such as cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and digital diplomacy.

In her closing remarks, Hon. Maziya expressed appreciation to the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, the UAE Government, and the UAE Gender Balance Council for their partnership, stating, “We celebrate this achievement, honour our partners, and look forward to the many lives that will be transformed through SHE Powers Africa.”

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta