BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Eswatini’s digitally skilled youth are expected to unlock new opportunities in entrepreneurship, content creation, innovation and the digital economy as connectivity continues to improve.
This was the key message emerging from The Value of Connectivity panel discussion held at Hilton Garden Inn, Mbabane, where industry leaders explored how reliable digital access is reshaping the way young people learn, create businesses and participate in global markets.
Hosted by The PR & Brand Network, the discussion brought together entrepreneurs, technology experts, media personalities and business leaders who argued that the true value of connectivity extends beyond the cost of data bundles.
The panel, facilitated by Chartered Public Relations Practitioner Libe Mohale, featured Red Note Africa founder Khetsiwe Dlamini, digital content creator Bonkhe Tadam, SS Tracking Solutions Manager Bonginkhosi Dlamini, Direct UPS Managing Director Behlule Dlomo and UNESWA FM presenter Asakhona Dlamini.
The speakers highlighted that speed, reliability and consistent access to the internet have become critical tools for young people seeking to build careers and businesses in an increasingly digital world.
Khetsiwe Dlamini said connectivity had removed geographical barriers, allowing emaSwati to participate in global conversations while continuing to contribute locally.
“We are no longer limited by geography. An event taking place in Eswatini can immediately become a global conversation. People interact with us from different countries in real time,” she said.
Having studied on three continents, she said digital connectivity had made it easier for students, professionals and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, access knowledge and build international networks.
She added that young creatives and businesses now had platforms to showcase Eswatini’s talent to wider audiences.
For content creator Bonkhe Tadam, connectivity has become the foundation of the creator economy, allowing young people to build personal brands and reach audiences beyond the country’s borders.
“It has allowed me to build my brand, grow my audience and connect with people beyond Eswatini. Everything happens instantly. At the click of a button, I can communicate, promote my work and inspire others,” she said.
Tadam encouraged aspiring digital creators to focus on authenticity, saying the future belongs to individuals who develop unique voices and tell genuine stories.
Meanwhile, Asakhona Dlamini said connectivity had become an important resource for students and broadcasters, particularly in accessing information, conducting research and improving programming.
She said young broadcasters were able to learn from international media platforms by following trends and innovations from around the world.
“We are able to listen to radio stations around the world, learn new presentation styles and bring fresh ideas back to UNESWA FM,” she said.
In the business sector, Bonginkhosi Dlamini explained that connectivity was transforming fleet management by enabling companies to monitor vehicles, improve safety and reduce operational costs.
He said real-time tracking allowed businesses to identify potential problems before they became expensive failures.
“Connectivity is becoming part of the business infrastructure. Systems can now tell you what is happening before someone picks up the phone,” he said.
Behlule Dlomo said connectivity had also become essential in the renewable energy industry, where remote monitoring systems allow companies to track performance and identify faults before customers experience disruptions.
He said digital platforms such as video conferencing tools had made it possible to manage businesses, communicate with clients and collaborate across different locations.
The discussion also examined the cost of unreliable connectivity, with panellists noting that cheaper data options may become expensive when interruptions affect business operations, online learning or professional engagements.
Mohale concluded that Africa’s communities needed to prioritise reliable and efficient connectivity to support growth, innovation and the implementation of projects in sectors such as business and academia.
“The cost of cheap internet is actually higher than we may think,” he said.
The panel agreed that as Eswatini’s young population becomes more digitally engaged, dependable connectivity will remain a key driver of economic participation and opportunity.
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