Africazine:
Eswatini is making significant strides in digital connectivity, achieving around 67% household internet coverage.
The Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Savannah Maziya, announced this progress at the UAE-Africa Women Leaders Conference. The urban internet coverage is approximately 70%, while rural areas stand at 63%, highlighting efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Eswatini’s Commitment to Digital Transformation
The government of Eswatini is intensifying its digital transformation agenda, focusing on expanding infrastructure and ensuring meaningful participation for all citizens. Maziya emphasized that digital transformation should not only be about connectivity but also about enhancing the lives of underserved communities, particularly women and girls in rural areas.
Through the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF), the government is prioritizing affordability, accessibility, digital literacy, and inclusion. This approach aims to ensure that all citizens can benefit from digital advancements.
Key Initiatives to Enhance Connectivity
Several initiatives are underway to promote digital skills and access. These include the expansion of digital skills programs through community centers and libraries, the establishment of community ICT hubs, and rural public access centers. Additionally, there are targeted digital literacy programs for women and girls, along with the rollout of assistive technologies for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.
The Learning Passport Programme is also being implemented to support inclusive digital education, providing broader access to learning opportunities through technology.
Next Steps in Eswatini’s Digital Agenda
- Expansion of digital skills programs through community centers.
- Establishment of community ICT hubs and rural public access centers.
- Implementation of digital literacy programs targeting women and girls.
- Rollout of assistive technologies for persons with disabilities.
Eswatini is committed to ensuring that digital transformation benefits all citizens, especially those in underserved communities.
