ENHANCED INTERNET ACCESS TO BOOST CREATIVE INDUSTRY

MBABANE – The recently announced partnership between the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and Google promises to significantly improve internet accessibility for creatives in Eswatini.  It is well known that many forms of entertainment dominate the internet, encompassing films, documentaries, series, as well as music and music videos. With the launch of this partnership within the kingdom, it will enable creatives to further market their craft online, allowing them to reach new audiences, not just in Africa but across the globe.  Sam Shongwe, the Director of MTN Fintech, highlighted the potential of this collaboration to empower the youth in monetising content shared on their YouTube channels.

“People are now creating jobs sitting at home. They can do a lot of stuff with the content they have, but they cannot connect to advertising platforms that enable you to make money sitting at home,” he stated.  The Minister for ICT, Savannah Maziya, expressed optimism about the myriad opportunities this partnership will unlock for young people:
“This partnership is a step towards positioning Eswatini as a leader in the digital economy, unlocking opportunities for our people, especially the youth,” Maziya remarked at the launch event themed ‘Innovating Together: Strategic Partnerships for Eswatini’s Digital Transformation and Economic Prosperity’.  

This initiative is particularly significant for creatives in Eswatini who have faced various challenges in reaching wider audiences and generating income from their work.
With better internet access, artists, filmmakers, musicians and content creators will have the tools they need to expand their reach and share their stories with a global audience.  
One of the key benefits of this partnership is the increase in online visibility. Creatives will be able to showcase their work on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, potentially attracting attention from international producers, record labels or sponsors. This visibility is crucial in a world where digital presence can make or break a creative’s career.  Furthermore, the partnership aims to improve not only internet speed, but also reliability, particularly in rural areas which have often been underserved.

opportunities

This can lead to a more equitable distribution of opportunities, ensuring that even those in remote regions can participate in the digital economy. The collaboration with Google also opens avenues for training and development, with various workshops planned to help creatives hone their skills in digital marketing and content generation. These workshops will equip participants with knowledge of effective strategies for promoting their work and leveraging online platforms to maximise monetary gain. Moreover, this initiative can foster collaborations among creatives across different disciplines. By providing a platform for networking and sharing ideas, Eswatini’s creative community can flourish, leading to innovative projects that highlight the rich culture and talent within the kingdom.

There is also a strong emphasis on youth empowerment within this partnership. With a significant portion of the population being young, providing them with tools and training to thrive in the digital space can catalyse a wave of entrepreneurship. This has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, as young people start their own ventures and contribute to the overall economy.  The partnership between the Ministry of ICT and Google represents a monumental step forward for creatives in Eswatini. By enhancing internet accessibility and providing essential support to the youth, this collaboration will undoubtedly pave the way for a vibrant and prosperous creative industry. As this initiative unfolds, it will be imperative for creatives to embrace the opportunities it presents and utilise the digital landscape to share their narratives, inspire others and build successful careers in their respective fields.

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