Mbabane Takes a Leading Role in Southern Africa's Digital Future
In a significant move towards enhancing digital connectivity across Southern Africa, regulators, tech experts, and policymakers have convened in Mbabane, Eswatini, for the SADC Broadband Development and Targets 2030 Workshop. This initiative, backed by prominent organizations like the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), aims to set ambitious connectivity targets for the region by the year 2030.
The workshop kicked off officially yesterday, with the Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, emphasizing the critical role that broadband access plays in modern economies. “Broadband is the lifeblood of modern economies,” she stated. “But meaningful deployment requires deliberate policy, sustained investment, and data-driven action.” Her comments couldn’t be more timely, as the region recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive digital environment where every citizen, from rural learners to urban entrepreneurs, has access to the tools needed for growth and innovation.
Participants are diving deep into crucial themes, such as digital inclusion and affordability, while also exploring strategies for meaningful data collection to inform broadband policies. Brian Mwansa, Acting Executive Secretary of CRASA, echoed these sentiments, highlighting broadband’s power to enhance lives by improving public services, healthcare, and education. This vision aligns with the broader goals of integrating technology into everyday life and making digital services accessible to all.
The emphasis on faster, more affordable internet access underscores its direct link to productivity and innovation. ESCCOM Chief Executive Mvilawemphi Dlamini pointed out that enhanced connectivity is vital for scaling infrastructure that will support flourishing economies across the region. Tichafa Rixon Mujuru, Chairperson of the SADC Universal Access and Service Committee, emphasized that this initiative isn’t merely about numbers; it’s about ensuring that every student, small business, and digital startup can leverage high-speed internet to thrive.
Looking ahead, the workshop will feature sessions focused on policy dialogues, capacity building, and data strategy development. This collective effort is designed to ensure that every SADC member country contributes to and benefits from a digitally connected future, paving the way for exciting opportunities in the years to come.
For anyone interested in the forefront of digital connectivity in Southern Africa, this event is a beacon of hope and progress. As the region sets its sights on 2030, the commitment to fostering an inclusive digital landscape is indeed a step towards a brighter future.
#SouthernAfrica #Eswatini #DigitalInclusion #InternetAccess #SADC #WorldNews #Technology #BusinessNews
