Ezulwini- The MTN Eswatini Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jerry Soko has said technology must go beyond providing connectivity and become a tool for solving everyday challenges, improving access to essential services and creating new economic opportunities for emaSwati.
Speaking during the launch of the three health digital solutions on Wednesday at tge Happy Valley Hotel,Ezulwini, the telecommunications company says its latest digital solutions are aimed at addressing challenges in three key sectors of the economy, healthcare, agriculture and the creative economy, as the country accelerates its digital transformation journey.
Soko said the company’s approach is centred on using technology to improve lives and support national development, rather than focusing only on connectivity.“Everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. Our purpose extends beyond connectivity. We strive to harness technology to solve real problems facing our communities,” he stressed.
One of the areas targeted is healthcare access, where MTN says digital platforms can help reduce barriers caused by distance and limited access to healthcare professionals.Through TruMD eSwatini, patients will be able to access nurse triage services and consult qualified doctors through secure video consultations. The service also provides digital prescriptions and sick notes, allowing users to access healthcare support without visiting a health facility.
The CEO said the platform is aimed at making healthcare more accessible, with customers able to access unlimited consultations at a monthly subscription fee of E99.
In agriculture, MTN says technology can play a role in protecting farmers’ livelihoods through improved livestock management.The Animal Tracking solution allows farmers to monitor the location of their cattle in real time, helping them respond quickly when animals go missing while also reducing risks associated with livestock entering roads and high-risk areas.
He stressed that the solution supports efforts to protect livestock, which remains an important economic asset for many households.
Also the tech company, is also targeting the growth of Eswatini’s creative economy through ContentHub eSwatini, a platform designed to allow local creators to distribute and monetize their work.
This, he said the platform creates opportunities for musicians, educators, farmers, filmmakers, storytellers and other content creators to earn income from their work.
Revenue generated through subscriptions will be shared among MTN, the platform provider and content creators, with each partner receiving an equal share of the income generated.
Soko said that the future digital economy will not only depend on people consuming content but also on creating and commercialising local content.
However, the CEO noted that some of the planned integrations and additional capabilities will be introduced over the coming months as the solutions continue to develop.
Soko noted that the initiatives demonstrate the role that partnerships between the private sector and government can play in using technology to address national priorities and create a more digitally inclusive economy.
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