Economy

MBABANE – Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg has identified six priority sectors where digital transformation can unlock Eswatini’s productivity and boost economic growth.

Speaking during the launch of the World Bank’s Eswatini Economic Update at the UN House yesterday, the minister singled out agriculture, education, healthcare, public service delivery, revenue collection and entrepreneurship as critical areas requiring urgent digital investment.

Rijkenberg said digital platforms could connect farmers to markets, enable remote medical consultations, strengthen education delivery, improve tax compliance and create new opportunities for young innovators to launch start-ups.

“Digital technologies cut across all sectors. They enhance productivity, create jobs, reduce costs and bring government closer to citizens,” he said. He pointed to examples from other African nations, including Rwanda’s digital ID system, Kenya’s M-Pesa mobile money platform and Ghana’s e-tax system, as evidence that commitment to using technology to solve real problems can transform economies.

The minister emphasised that for Eswatini to replicate such successes, the country must address foundational gaps such as uneven broadband coverage, digital skill shortages and limited financing for innovation.

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The latest Eswatini Economic Update report reveals that digital is Eswatini’s clearest path to boosting productivity, creating jobs and reducing SACU dependence. (Pic: Nhlanganiso Mkhonta)