By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Eswatini has commenced a
Digital Change Management Workshop aimed at strengthening leadership capacity
and institutional readiness for the implementation of the Eswatini Digital
Project, a five-year initiative focused on accelerating digital transformation
across the public sector.
The two-day workshop was
officially opened by the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and brought
together Principal Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers, Directors and senior
government officials to discuss strategies for managing digital change and
improving adoption of technology-driven public services.
Speaking at the opening
session, the Principal Secretary highlighted the need to accelerate Eswatini’s
digital transformation, noting that while the country has achieved significant
network coverage, challenges remain in mobile internet adoption, affordability
and access to digital government services.
He said only 57 percent of
citizens subscribe to mobile internet despite the country having approximately
95 percent network coverage, while high data costs and continued reliance on
paper-based public services remain key barriers to digital inclusion.
The Principal Secretary said
the Eswatini Digital Project is designed to address these challenges through
investments in fibre infrastructure, digital public services, government
digitisation and improved access to online platforms.
He emphasised the importance
of leadership commitment in ensuring successful digital transformation, noting
that large-scale change requires strong sponsorship and accountability from
senior officials.
Eswatini Digital Project
Manager Zandile Mthembu outlined the objectives of the initiative, highlighting
the need to improve broadband affordability, strengthen digital public
infrastructure, expand the Government In Your Hand (GIYH) platform and enhance
citizens’ digital skills.
She noted that more than 50
government services currently require physical visits, often leading to delays
and longer waiting periods for citizens. The project aims to digitise these
services and improve efficiency in public service delivery.
The Eswatini Digital Project
is being implemented over five years with a budget of US$65 million and will be
managed by a six-member Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
During the workshop, the
project’s Procurement Specialist, Mr Banda, highlighted the importance of
transparency, accountability and value for money in procurement processes,
while facilitator and PIU Specialist Bhekumusa Nxumalo focused on the
foundations of change management and the importance of building a shared
understanding before implementing major organisational reforms.
