MBABANE – Eswatini’s expanding optical fibre network is set to strengthen the country’s business ecosystem, as government accelerates digital infrastructure rollout to drive competitiveness, curb corruption and unlock private sector growth.
This was the central message during the Business Eswatini Pivotal Power Meeting held yesterday at the organisation’s War Room, where captains of industry engaged the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), led by Minister Savannah Maziya.
The high-level engagement, held under the theme ‘Leveraging ICT to Spur Private Sector Growth and Competitiveness,’ provided a strategic platform to align government’s digital transformation agenda with private sector expectations in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Delivering a detailed presentation, Director of e-Government Bonga Ndlangamandla outlined the ministry’s three-year roadmap, anchored on digitalising government service delivery, strengthening ICT infrastructure and harnessing local talent.
At the centre of the strategy is the nationwide deployment of optical fibre – a move government views as the backbone of a modern digital economy.
The ministry confirmed that optical fibre is being rolled out across the country to improve connectivity, enable high-speed data transmission and support the full digitalisation of government services.
For businesses, reliable broadband connectivity reduces transaction costs, enhances operational efficiency and opens access to global markets through e-commerce, digital payments and remote service delivery.
Improved connectivity is also expected to support fintech innovation, data-driven enterprises and remote work opportunities – all critical components of a competitive business ecosystem.
Ndlangamandla said infrastructure expansion is complemented by process re-engineering to fully digitalise government services, in line with the Programme of Action’s ICT mandates.
Government is deploying systems underpinned by enhanced capacity to handle big data while ensuring that public servants are equipped with the necessary digital skills to operate the platforms effectively.
Among the key mandates already achieved or underway are:
- Infrastructure to fully digitalise government services
- Operationalisation of the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) mandate
- Establishment of a functional and reliable government email system
- Development of smart cities through CCTV installations, artificial intelligence-enabled cameras and integrated security systems
- These initiatives are designed not only to improve service delivery, but to also to create opportunities for ICT-driven enterprises and local innovators.
- Ndlangamandla also provided an update on the Government Integrated Youth Hub (GIYH) and other digital systems scheduled for rollout.
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