Eswatini charts bold path to digital transformation

By Kwanele Dhladhla

The Kingdom of Eswatini has taken a major step toward reshaping its digital future with the announcement that the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), under the leadership of Chief Executive Mvilawemphi Dlamini, will embark on a comprehensive study of the communications sector.

This initiative forms part of the broader Eswatini Digitalisation Strategy (2024–2028), spearheaded by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT).

Guided by the theme “Government in Your Hand”, the national strategy aims to leverage digital technologies to spur economic growth, improve the efficiency of public service delivery, and foster greater social inclusion.

The communications sector, encompassing telecommunications, broadcasting, postal, and courier services, sits at the heart of this digitalisation drive.

Despite notable progress, particularly in mobile broadband coverage, the sector continues to grapple with deep-rooted challenges.

According to the World Bank, Eswatini faces persistent hurdles, including high data costs, limited fixed broadband penetration, and weak digital skills among both consumers and enterprises.

Meanwhile, the broadcasting, postal, and courier sub-sectors remain structurally underdeveloped, undermining their ability to support inclusive economic growth and efficient service delivery.

In response, ESCCOM disclosed in the Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) that it would be preparing to launch a wide-ranging state-of-the-sector market study.

The goal was to establish a comprehensive baseline of the communications landscape, identify barriers to growth, and recommend policy and regulatory reforms that will unlock the sector’s full potential.

“The study will allow us to take stock of where we are, highlight what is working, and, most importantly, provide actionable insights to strengthen the competitiveness and inclusivity of our communications space,” ESCCOM explained.

The study will cover three priority areas:

· Telecommunications: mapping infrastructure such as backbone networks, towers, and data centres; analyzing competition and pricing structures; and assessing service affordability, quality, and consumer satisfaction.

· Broadcasting: evaluating the sector’s structure, performance, and capacity; identifying barriers to entry; and mapping both licensed and unlicensed service providers to ensure content diversity and fair competition.

· Postal and courier services: examining the sector’s regulatory environment, modernization prospects, and integration with emerging digital commerce platforms.

The consultancy leading the study will be tasked with designing and implementing data collection tools—including surveys, interviews, and questionnaires—and engaging a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

These will range from government and industry operators to civil society and consumers.

Through this inclusive approach, ESCCOM intends not only to capture the technical and economic realities of the sector but also to give voice to ordinary citizens whose experiences as end-users are critical to shaping meaningful reforms.

The resulting report will provide a set of detailed findings, insights, and strategic recommendations that will guide regulatory, investment, and policy decisions in the coming years.

For Eswatini, the stakes are high. Digitalisation has increasingly been recognised as a key driver of sustainable development, with the potential to bridge social divides, empower entrepreneurs, and position the country competitively in the regional and global economy.

“Communications are no longer a luxury; they are the backbone of modern life. By strengthening this sector, Eswatini will ensure that every citizen, business, and institution has a fair opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital economy,” Dlamini emphasised.

The ESCCOM market study is expected to be completed within the implementation window of the Eswatini Digitalisation Strategy (2024–2028).

Once finalised, its findings will be shared with stakeholders and inform concrete reforms across the communications spectrum.

By embarking on this bold review of the communications sector, Eswatini is laying the foundation for a digital future that prioritises affordability, accessibility, and innovation.

The outcome will not only reshape the country’s regulatory and policy frameworks but also pave the way for greater efficiency in public service delivery, stronger economic resilience, and improved quality of life for citizens.

In an increasingly interconnected world, Eswatini’s determination to place digitalisation at the centre of national development sends a clear message: the future is digital, and the Kingdom intends to embrace it fully.