Mbabane- Despite Eswatini recording significant growth in internet connectivity, the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya says the next phase of the country’s digital transformation will focus on ensuring rural communities, women and vulnerable groups are not left behind.
Speaking during the UAE-Africa Women Leaders Conference last week, Maziya said government’s priority has shifted from merely expanding network coverage to ensuring that citizens can fully participate in and benefit from the digital economy.
Maziya revealed that household internet coverage has now reached approximately 67 percent nationally, with connectivity standing at about 70 percent in urban areas and 63 percent in rural communities. While describing the figures as encouraging, she noted that access alone was not enough to achieve meaningful digital transformation.
“Government is working through the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) to address barriers that continue to prevent many citizens from fully utilizing digital technologies, including affordability, digital skills and access to digital services,” she said.
The Minister added that efforts are also being made to improve digital inclusion for persons with disabilities through the rollout of assistive technologies, while programmes such as the Learning Passport continue to broaden access to education through digital platforms.
Addressing conference delegates, Maziya said the true value of technology lies in its ability to improve people’s lives rather than simply increasing connectivity statistics.
“Digital transformation should be judged by its impact on communities, particularly those that have historically faced limited access to opportunities,” she noted, adding that technology must create practical solutions that improve livelihoods, dignity and everyday living.
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