BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– For many emaSwati, having network coverage does not always mean having affordable access to the internet, as high data costs continue to limit digital inclusion. Government is now looking to address the challenge through the proposed Digital Eswatini Project.
This was revealed by Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (MICT) Principal Secretary Prince Mshishimba Andreas Dlamini during a two-day Digital Eswatini Project Change Management Workshop held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane on July 22, 2026.
Dlamini said only 57 per cent of emaSwati subscribe to mobile internet despite the country having 95 per cent network coverage, highlighting the gap between network availability and affordable internet access.
“Only 57 per cent of our people subscribe to mobile internet despite 95 per cent network coverage. Data costs remain among the highest in the region. Most public services are still paper-based and delivered in person,” Dlamini said.
The proposed five-year Digital Eswatini Project, valued at US$65 million (about E1.1 billion), is expected to be supported by the World Bank. However, the funds are not yet available, as the project remains in the preparatory and planning stage.
At the centre of the initiative is a plan to reduce the cost of connectivity by expanding fibre infrastructure and establishing Digital Public Infrastructure.
MICT Project Manager Zandile Mthembu revealed that broadband connectivity consumes about 19 per cent of average monthly incomes in Eswatini, significantly above the international affordability benchmark of two per cent.
The project is therefore expected to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure while creating the foundation for more affordable and accessible internet services.
It plans to lay 2 000 kilometres of fibre backbone infrastructure and connect 1 031 public institutions, including 38 tinkhundla centres, 134 health centres and 859 schools.
The expansion is expected to improve the reach and reliability of broadband services, particularly in communities where access to high-speed internet remains limited or costly.
The project also seeks to establish Digital Public Infrastructure that will support the delivery of digital services and enable more citizens to participate in the digital economy.
With a target of 100 per cent broadband coverage nationwide, the initiative aims to ensure that network availability translates into meaningful and affordable internet access for more emaSwati.
Beyond connectivity, the project will support the digitisation of more than 50 government services and train 200 000 citizens in digital skills.
Dlamini said the success of the transformation would require strong leadership and commitment from public institutions.
“Delivering on that ambition, however, requires more than technology – it requires deliberate, sustained change leadership,” he said.
He challenged senior public sector leaders to take ownership of the initiative and champion the digital transformation within their respective institutions.
If successfully financed and implemented, the Digital Eswatini Project could help address the high cost of data by expanding fibre infrastructure and strengthening digital systems.
The initiative ultimately seeks to ensure that more emaSwati can afford to connect to the internet, access essential digital services and participate meaningfully in the country’s growing digital economy.
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