Eswatini launches Starlink Satellite Gateway to boost nationwide connectivity
By Taonga Nkhata
His Majesty King Mswati III has officially commissioned the country’s Satellite Gateway, a major milestone expected to transform internet access across the Kingdom through cutting-edge low Earth orbit satellite technology.
The project, powered by Starlink, is designed to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity, particularly to rural and hard-to-reach areas that have long struggled with limited digital access.
His Majesty was represented at the ceremony by His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Sicalo, who conveyed the King’s message highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that persist in expanding connectivity nationwide.
While commending local providers such as MTN Eswatini and Eswatini Mobile for their efforts, the King acknowledged that infrastructure limitations have made it difficult to reach every corner of the country.
“Eswatini is a proudly rural nation. Our people live across wide valleys and mountains where it is simply not practical or affordable to build mobile towers everywhere or lay fibre cables to every village,” His Majesty noted.
He further pointed to the country’s geographical constraints as a landlocked nation, explaining that reliance on cross-border fibre links exposes Eswatini to disruptions beyond its control.
“As a landlocked country, we depend on fibre links that pass through neighbouring nations. We have no direct access to undersea cables, which leaves us vulnerable when those links are cut or congested,” he said.
Describing the launch as a turning point, the King emphasised the broader impact of the Satellite Gateway beyond infrastructure.
“Today is a historic day. We are not just launching a building — we are opening the door to a connected, prosperous future for every young person in every corner of the kingdom.”
The initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities in education, healthcare and entrepreneurship, with improved connectivity enabling e-learning, telemedicine and digital business growth.
“Every school, clinic and young entrepreneur can now be connected, no matter how remote. Faster, more reliable connectivity means opportunities that were never possible before,” the King stated.
Moreover, His Majesty highlighted the strategic importance of embracing emerging technologies, noting that satellite systems represent only the beginning of a broader digital transformation.
“Low Earth orbit technology is evolving rapidly. One day, data centres will operate in space and artificial intelligence will run closer to users than ever before.
By embracing satellite connectivity today, Eswatini is positioning itself to connect directly to those future space-based resources. We are not just catching up but we are choosing to lead.”