By Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III has declared Eswatini’s commitment to embracing digital transformation as a cornerstone of modern governance. Speaking at the 12th World Government Summit in Dubai, he highlighted how Eswatini is actively integrating technology to create a smart, citizen-centric government.
The King emphasized that digitalization is not merely a trend but a necessity for effective governance.
“We are prioritizing e-government solutions under the initiative ‘Government in Your Hand,’ which will leverage artificial intelligence to make public services more accessible and efficient,” he stated.
Eswatini has already made strides in this direction by connecting public institutions, including 48 Tinkhundla centers, to free Wi-Fi. The government is also expanding its fiber-optic network, ensuring greater digital inclusivity.
At the heart of this transformation is the Royal Science and Technology Park, which functions as a hub for technological innovation. The park houses Eswatini’s National Data Center, High-Performance Computing Center, and National Biotechnology Laboratory, providing resources for startups and entrepreneurs.
King Mswati III called on other nations to embrace digital inclusion, ensuring marginalized communities are not left behind in the digital revolution. “Bridging the digital divide is essential so that all citizens, regardless of location, can fully participate in economic and social opportunities,” he emphasized.
With a strong vision for smart governance, Eswatini is poised to set an example for African nations looking to integrate digital solutions into government operations.