Digital Eswatini, this little country nestled between South Africa and Mozambique got a lot going for it, but there are some challenges too (especially when it comes to inequality and access to public services.)
In two years, digital Eswatini fell behind in e-governance by 13 places and in e-participation by 52 places! I think it’s safe to say that e-participation needs a huge focus.
Also, one of the biggest issues in this country is that despite efforts to bridge the gap, inequality in both consumption per capita and access to public services remains glaringly high.
Factors beyond the control of individuals…say – person education, parental education, place of birth, or of residence, explained 38.5% of consumption inequality back in 2017 (according to World Bank.)
So, by investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, Digital Eswatini can start levelling the playing field and giving everyone a fair shot at a better life. It’s not going to happen overnight, but with the right policies and commitment, I believe it’s possible.
An overview of digital Eswatini
It’s clear that there’s a real opportunity here for the country to level up its game and drive some serious growth. But, as it stands, there’s still some ground to cover.
I think what’s exciting about digital transformation is how it can be a game-changer for the economy. With a young and eager workforce, Eswatini has the potential to really make waves in the digital world.
I think what’s clear is that Eswatini is falling behind its neighbors when it comes to going digital. The numbers don’t lie: with only 58% of the population using the internet as of 2022, they’ve got some catching up to do (according to ITU.)
And you know what? Even in 2024, not much seems to have changed. According to DataReportal, nearly 42% of the population was offline at the beginning of 2024. So, no real change has happened in 2 years.
What I believe is happening here is that this digital lag is holding Eswatini back in a few key areas. Take e-government and e-commerce, for example. With so many people offline, it’s tough to roll out these services effectively. And let’s not forget about digital entrepreneurship. Without a solid online presence, it’s hard for businesses to thrive in today’s digital world.
Also, what I’d say is driving this usage gap is the affordability—or lack thereof—of internet services. If people can’t afford to get online, of course, they’re going to be left out of the digital loop. And that’s not just a problem for individuals… it’s holding back the whole country’s digital progress.
What I’d like to add is that addressing this affordability issue isn’t going to be easy, but it’s absolutely necessary if Eswatini wants to thrive in the digital age. It’s going to take some creative solutions and maybe even some outside help, but I believe it’s definitely within reach.
Current other challenges
There’s definitely a lot to consider here, but I believe there are some clear paths forward.
First off, tackling the issue of unaffordable internet rates is crucial. And in Eswatini, incomplete market liberalization and limited competition are making internet access a luxury for many. With the Eswatini Post and Telecommunications Corporation holding a partial monopoly, it’s tough for prices to come down. Plus, being landlocked means they don’t have direct access to those vital submarine cables, which only adds to the problem.
Secondly, in Eswatini, public sector platforms have limited availability and functionality, according to another recent World Bank report. They’re not securely sharing data between themselves, which is a missed opportunity for streamlining services and improving the user experience. Building on secure and reliable infrastructure is key here. Without that foundation, it’s tough to trust these platforms to do what they’re supposed to do.
Also, there is an urgent need for digital skills. I believe this is an area where digital Eswatini has a real opportunity to make a difference. By investing in comprehensive policies and implementation plans for digital skills development, they can ensure that everyone in the country is fully digitally literate. Not only does this empower individuals, but it also helps nurture a workforce that’s ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age.
Final thoughts
In the end, I can say that the country needs to make massive investments to modernize its ICT infrastructure. For mobile broadband, there is room to increase access to high-speed, good-quality internet services further by expanding 4G/LTE networks to the remaining lagging regions of the country.
Also, currently, there is an incomplete feedback cycle in which user experience is sub-optimal and the benefits of using online governmental platforms remain unclear…. leading to reduced demand for such platforms and insufficient incentives to invest further in them.
Clearly, while there is a long way to go, Eswatini is at an exciting and critical juncture in its digital journey, with key decisions that will likely shape how far and how quickly the country’s digital transformation takes place.
Sources:
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/164-Eswatini
