- 500000 emaSwati targeted for digital skills training
BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK – Imagine applying for government services, making payments or accessing important public information without having to travel long distances or spend hours waiting in queues.
This is the future the Eswatini Government is working towards as it explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to bring public services closer to ordinary emaSwati.
Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya has taken the country’s digital development plans to the Global AI & Digital Summit in Seoul, South Korea, where she is participating in discussions on how modern technology can improve people’s lives and create economic opportunities.
The three-day international gathering, which opened on Monday, October 19, 2026, has brought together government leaders, technology experts and policymakers to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in economic development, public service delivery and employment.
At the centre of Eswatini’s plans is a proposed digital platform described as “AI-enabled government in your hand.”
The initiative is intended to allow members of the public to access government services and make payments through digital devices, reducing some of the difficulties associated with obtaining services through traditional channels.
For ordinary emaSwati, such a system could eventually mean accessing selected government services from a mobile phone instead of having to visit government offices.
However, the platform remains a proposal, and no implementation date has been announced.
Maziya, who is attending the summit alongside the Director of Research, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Rejoice Maseko, highlighted the importance of making technology accessible to all citizens.
She emphasised that the country’s digital ambitions would require reliable internet connectivity across the Kingdom, affordable data and measures to protect people using online services.
These are important considerations in a country where access to digital services depends heavily on internet availability and the cost of connecting to online platforms.
The Minister also identified cybersecurity and effective regulations as essential requirements for the country’s transition towards greater use of artificial intelligence.
The government’s plans extend beyond introducing new digital services.
500000 CITIZENS TARGETED FOR TRAINING
One of the major developments highlighted at the summit is Eswatini’s pursuit of digital skills training opportunities targeting a combined 500000 citizens through international partnerships.
According to the information presented, the country is pursuing capacity-building initiatives targeting 300000 citizens through a partnership with the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
A further 200000 citizens are being targeted through an initiative supported by the World Bank.
The two initiatives are intended to help emaSwati acquire digital skills and prepare for opportunities associated with the growing use of modern technology.
The training plans could be particularly relevant to young people preparing to enter the job market, employees seeking new skills and entrepreneurs interested in using technology to expand their businesses.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of workplaces, business operations and public administration, making digital knowledge an important consideration in employment and economic development.
Maziya emphasised the need to ensure that citizens are equipped with the necessary skills to participate in the digital economy rather than being excluded from emerging opportunities.
The proposed training programmes form part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its ability to adopt and benefit from new technologies.
Details of when the training will begin, how citizens will apply and the selection criteria were not provided.
BRINGING GOVERNMENT CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE
Another major focus of Eswatini’s participation in the summit is the improvement of government service delivery.
Through the proposed AI-enabled platform, government intends to simplify the process of accessing public services and completing payments electronically.
The plan is also aimed at making interactions between citizens and government institutions more convenient and efficient.
For people living far from major towns, greater access to digital government services could reduce the need to travel for certain transactions, provided the necessary internet infrastructure and services are available.
Maziya’s emphasis on affordable data and nationwide connectivity reflects the importance of ensuring that digital services are not limited to people living in urban areas.
The Minister also stressed the need for appropriate safeguards to protect citizens and build public confidence in digital systems.
ESWATINI SEEKS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Eswatini’s participation in the Seoul summit provides an opportunity to engage with international leaders and technology experts on the development and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The discussions are centred on how countries can use digital technology to increase productivity, strengthen their economies and prepare citizens for changing employment requirements.
For Eswatini, the focus is on developing the infrastructure, skills and systems needed to make technology useful to the wider population.
The country’s engagements with the United Arab Emirates and World Bank are among the partnerships being pursued to support this agenda.
As the summit continues in South Korea, Eswatini is presenting digital skills development, improved internet access and modernised public services as priorities in its plans for a more digitally connected nation.
For emaSwati, the next important developments will be the implementation of the proposed government platform and the rollout of training opportunities intended to equip thousands of citizens with skills for the digital economy.
