Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has described the new 5G Network and Mbabane Smart City Project as a fitting gift for His Majesty King Mswati III’s 57th birthday, saying it reflected Eswatini’s growing ambition to become a digitally empowered nation.
Dlamini made the remarks during the official handover of the E38 million Taiwan-supported initiative at the Mbabane Municipal Council on Wednesday morning. The project, which includes a high-tech control centre and advanced real-time surveillance systems, was unveiled as a milestone achievement in the country’s digital transformation efforts.
He told the gathering that the completion of the project marked a proud chapter in the strong diplomatic ties between Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan). The project had been commissioned almost exactly a year ago, on 14 May 2024, at Hilton Garden Inn, in line with the “Nkwe” directive issued by the King.
According to the Prime Minister, Taiwan’s support had been instrumental in realising Eswatini’s vision of aligning with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He said the newly deployed 5G network would offer unprecedented speed, reliability, and capacity — all critical components for building a smart society.
“These innovations will significantly enhance public safety and security,” Dlamini noted, adding that further developments under the same project would include the installation of water and weather sensors at the Mbabane River, as well as free public Wi-Fi to boost disaster preparedness and digital inclusion.
He said the technology would not be limited to the capital alone, revealing that similar systems would be replicated in other urban centres including Manzini, Matsapha, Nhlangano and Siteki.
The Prime Minister further remarked that the timing of the launch made it even more symbolic. “Of all the gifts His Majesty may receive, this one – symbolising innovation, progress and a shared national vision – will surely stand out,” he said, concluding his remarks with a royal salute: “Bayethe, Wena Waphakathi. Lunwele Loludze, Wena Wekunene.”
He urged the nation to draw inspiration from the successful rollout of the Smart City Project and to apply the same spirit of unity and determination across all sectors of government and society. “Let this moment remind us of what is possible when we work together in the spirit of ‘Nkwe’,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
