How His Majesty King Mswati III Pioneered Eswatini’s Digital Transformation
When the first mobile phone call in Eswatini was made, it was not just a technological milestone, it was a royal declaration of intent. His Majesty King Mswati III, ever the visionary, placed that historic call in 1998 with one of the very first mobile phones introduced by MTN Eswatini. That single moment ignited a digital era, launching the Kingdom of Eswatini into a future defined by connection and opportunity, guided by the King’s stewardship and MTN’s unwavering commitment. His Majesty’s passion for technology is anchored in the profound belief that it holds the power to transform lives, and that everybody deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
A Royal Beginning: The First Call That Changed Everything
The story of MTN Eswatini is inseparable from the ambition of King Mswati III for his people. When MTN presented His Majesty with the first mobile phones, it was more than a gesture of goodwill; it was the beginning of a partnership rooted in progress. The King’s inaugural call was a bold and symbolic step into a connected future, setting a powerful tone for a nation ready to embrace innovation and write its own digital destiny. His Majesty King Mswati III inaugurates a new era of connectivity in 1998.
Building a Connected Kingdom: Infrastructure and Innovation
Under His Majesty’s guidance, Eswatini has prioritised digital infrastructure as a cornerstone of national development. Answering this royal call, MTN Eswatini has invested extensively in building a world-class network, expanding from 2G to 3G, 4G, and now advancing towards 5G readiness. Today, our network is the digital lifeblood of the nation, reaching the most remote corners of the Kingdom and empowering thousands with access to education, opportunities and commerce.
A Partner in Development
MTN is more than a technology company; we are a partner in development. We have revolutionized marketing communications, brought new vibrancy to advertising, and consistently supported local businesses through our robust procurement programmes. Connecting every corner of the Kingdom, from urban centres to rural communities.
The MTN Foundation: Royal Values in Action
His Majesty King Mswati III has long championed the values of community upliftment and social equity. The MTN Foundation, launched by the King on 26 June 2009, embodies these royal ideals. It began when His Majesty turned the soil to mark the construction of the MTN Head Office in Ezulwini, a powerful symbol of our commitment to invest a portion of our profits to change lives and transform communities.
From building classrooms and supporting health clinics to driving digital education through the MTN Skills Academy, the Foundation’s work echoes the King’s enduring commitment to his people. We have also proudly supported the “Government In Your Hand” app, furthering the decentralisation of government services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation’s role in supporting frontline workers and ensuring digital continuity for students was a testament to the powerful synergy between royal leadership and corporate responsibility.
| 21 Days of Y’ello Care: A Legacy of Excellence |
| Our impactful 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme has received the prestigious MTN Group President & CEO Award, recognising our commitment to community service. |
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Mahlalekhukhwini: A Landmark of Progress
As one of the first major corporates to establish a presence in Ezulwini, MTN set a new standard for progress. On 17 May 2013, His Majesty officially opened our head office, naming it “Mahlalekhukhwini House.” This landmark building stands today not just as our corporate headquarters, but as a picture of growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The MTN Head Office, “Mahlalekhukhwini,” a symbol of progress in Ezulwini.
Mobile Money: A Revolution in Your Pocket
The launch of Mobile Money (MoMo) in 2011 fundamentally revolutionized payments and financial inclusion across the Kingdom. Today, it is difficult to imagine life without MoMo. This platform has been a cornerstone of the national digitalization programme, enabling everything from the payment of elderly grants to everyday commerce. MoMo facilitates person-to-person transfers, retail payments, marketplace transactions, and even digital Stokvels, acting as a key business enabler that brings convenience and speed to the economy. This phenomenal growth led to the establishment of MTN Fintech Services as a dedicated, wholly-owned subsidiary in 2021.
MoMo has become an indispensable part of daily life and commerce in Eswatini.
Empowering Eswatini Through Enterprise
One of the most transformative aspects of our journey has been the trade partner business model. By empowering local entrepreneurs to become MTN distributors and MoMo agents, we have created a thriving ecosystem of small businesses and generated thousands of jobs. This approach aligns perfectly with His Majesty’s vision for economic self-reliance and grassroots empowerment. Today, the iconic yellow kiosks are more than just service points, they are symbols of opportunity, dignity, and financial inclusion for over 12,000 agents across the nation.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth & Digital Transformation
MTN Eswatini is more than a telecommunications provider; we are a national growth engine. Our contribution to the GDP is significant, and our leadership in fintech through MoMo continues to drive innovation. By providing reliable connectivity, we support countless industries and have enabled the rise of e-commerce, digital banking, and remote work, positioning Eswatini as a formidable digital hub in the region. This success is the direct result of a strategic alliance between a forward-thinking monarch and a purpose-driven company.
Some of the key milestones:
- LTE Coverage – 96%
- Data Users – over 600k
- MoMo Active users – over 550k
- Smartphone Penetration – 75%
An Employer of Choice: Nurturing National Talent
MTN is renowned as an employer of choice, demonstrating exceptional leadership in talent management. Our people have gone on to serve in various key capacities, both within the nation and beyond. A true highlight was the appointment of our former Chief Executive Officer, the late Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, as Prime Minister of Eswatini in 2018. Our commitment to our people is underscored by our Platinum Accreditation from Investors in People and accreditation by the South African Board of People Practices.
Championing Culture and Sports
We believe in the power of sports and arts to unite and inspire. Through our extensive sponsorship programme, MTN has become a cornerstone of cultural and athletic development in our beautiful Kingdom. We are proud to be the longest-running sponsor of the Premier League of Eswatini and a past supporter of Sihlangu Semnikati, among many other initiatives.
Our Sponsorship Properties Include:
- Premier League of Eswatini
- MTN Khemani Cycling
- The King’s Cup
- MTN Bushfire
- MoMo Xperience
- MTN Spotlight
- MTN iPraise
The Royal Legacy of Connectivity
As Eswatini continues its march toward a knowledge-based economy, the legacy of that first royal phone call endures. King Mswati III’s remarkable foresight in embracing mobile technology did not just transform communication, it redefined what is possible for an entire nation.
“MTN Eswatini stands today as a proud testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership meets corporate excellence. Together, we have not just connected a country, we have empowered a people.”
