By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Eswatini is seeking to
accelerate its digital transformation through stronger cooperation with the
Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), as the country builds on growing mobile
connectivity and the expansion of digital government services.
DCO Secretary-General Deemah
AlYahya made the remarks following a meeting with Eswatini’s Minister of
Information, Communication and Technology, Savannah Maziya, to discuss the
country’s digital transformation journey and opportunities for deeper cooperation.
Eswatini has approximately
1.76 million mobile connections despite a population of about 1.3 million
people, providing a strong connectivity foundation for further development of
its digital economy.
Nearly 95 percent of the
country’s population is covered by 4G, while mobile connectivity is growing by
around 8 percent annually. The country has also recently launched a digital
government application that has recorded thousands of downloads.
AlYahya said the engagement
explored ways the DCO could support Eswatini’s digital advancement through
knowledge exchange, capacity building and practical cooperation with DCO Member
States.
The discussions are expected
to identify areas where Eswatini can leverage the experience and expertise of
other countries while strengthening its own digital capabilities and
institutional capacity.
The country’s expanding
connectivity and adoption of digital government services provide a foundation
for further development of digital public services and broader participation in
the digital economy.
AlYahya described Eswatini’s
digital ambition and transformation as encouraging and expressed optimism about
further discussions and potential collaborations between Eswatini and the DCO.
