BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
EZULWINI – Eswatini is strengthening its position in the emerging global creator economy, with regulators placing renewed emphasis on digital governance, safety, and sustainable monetisation as more emaSwati turn to online platforms for income generation.
This was highlighted during the TikTok Content Monetization Workshop held at the ERS Editorium in Ezulwini on 3 June 2026 under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities Within the Eswatini Creator Economy.”
Delivering remarks at the workshop, Fikile Gama, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), said the growth of the creator economy must be matched with strong governance systems that protect users while enabling innovation.
She emphasized that ESCCOM’s role extends beyond regulation of communications infrastructure to include cybersecurity oversight, digital safety, and the creation of an enabling environment for online economic activity.
“As creators expand their digital presence and monetisation activities, it is important that they do so responsibly, ethically and securely,” Gama said, underscoring the need for safe participation in digital platforms.
Gama noted that Eswatini’s expanding telecommunications infrastructure is a key driver of the country’s digital transformation, with increased mobile connectivity and broadband expansion creating new economic pathways for citizens.
She highlighted that mobile penetration exceeding 149 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants reflects a strong foundation for digital participation, with smartphones now serving as primary tools for education, entrepreneurship and content creation.
The rollout of 4G services across most parts of the country and the introduction of 5G in selected areas were also cited as important enablers of high-quality content production and real-time digital engagement.
While acknowledging the economic potential of platforms such as TikTok, Gama cautioned that monetisation must be accompanied by digital responsibility, ethical conduct, and awareness of cybersecurity risks.
She stressed the importance of protecting users from online harm, misinformation, and fraudulent activity as more citizens engage in digital income-generating opportunities.
ESCCOM, in its capacity as the national cybersecurity authority, continues to promote safe online behaviour and responsible digital citizenship.
Gama further noted that content creation is evolving beyond entertainment, becoming a multi-sector space that includes education, innovation, business development, and professional skills sharing.
She encouraged creators to view digital platforms as tools for economic empowerment rather than leisure alone, highlighting opportunities in brand partnerships, e-commerce, affiliate marketing and live digital engagement.
“The future of content creation belongs not only to entertainers, but also to educators, innovators, professionals and entrepreneurs,” she said.
The Acting Chief Executive commended government efforts in advancing digital economy initiatives, noting that collaboration between policymakers, regulators, industry and creators is essential for sustainable growth.
She said initiatives such as the workshop reflect Eswatini’s commitment to building an inclusive digital ecosystem where connectivity, affordability, skills development and cybersecurity work together to support economic participation.
As the workshop concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed the importance of positioning Eswatini’s creator economy within global digital trends while ensuring that growth remains safe, inclusive and beneficial to citizens.
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