Africa-Press – Eswatini. A transformative moment is unfolding in Eswatini’s media sector as the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) officially publishes Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Commercial and Community Television and Radio Broadcasting Licences, opening opportunities for new voices, creative ideas, and community-driven content across the nation.
The announcement was delivered by ESCCOM Chief Executive Mvilawemphi Dlamini, on December 2, 2025, during a media briefing at ESCCOM’s headquarters. Dlamini described the ITA publication as a critical step in broadening the country’s broadcasting landscape.
“Today, we formally invite broadcasters to help shape the future of Eswatini’s media,” Dlamini said. “This is not simply a regulatory milestone—it is a national opportunity for new talent, innovative ideas, and diverse content to reach audiences in every corner of our country.”
He explained that the initiative builds on the Eswatini Broadcasting Act of 2023, which sets the legal and regulatory framework for a competitive, modern, and inclusive broadcasting environment. The CE emphasised that the licences are intended to expand content diversity, stimulate innovation, and promote community engagement.
Broadcasting Licence Categories
The ITAs cover four major categories:
-Free-to-Air Commercial Television
-Free-to-Air Commercial Radio
-Community Television
-Community Radio
Dlamini highlighted that these categories are designed to balance commercial growth with community participation, giving both established media organisations and grassroots content creators a fair opportunity to contribute to the sector.
Seven Licences to Be Issued
ESCCOM Director of Technical Services, Thulani Fakudze, provided further technical details, confirming that seven licences will be issued during this round:
-1 Commercial TV Licence
-1 Community TV Licence
-1 Commercial Radio Licence
-4 Community Radio Licences, each allocated to one of the country’s four regions
“The ITA publication signals the start of a competitive, creative, and inclusive broadcasting sector,” Fakudze said. “It is a chance for new broadcasters to enter the market and deliver high-quality, engaging content to audiences nationwide.”
Application Process and Fees
Applicants must submit their proposals within the ITA window. Licensing rounds cannot be submitted outside this period, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Application Deadline: 27 January 2026
Licence Issuance: 21 April 2026
Licence fees are structured as follows:
Commercial TV – E25 000
Commercial Radio – E5 000
Community TV – E5 000
Community Radio – E1 500
Currently, Eswatini has only five licensed broadcasters: EBIS, ESTVA, Channel Yemaswati, Voice of the Church, and UNESWA FM. The publication of these ITAs is expected to widen participation, empower new voices, and drive growth in the country’s media ecosystem.
“We encourage all aspiring broadcasters to seize this opportunity and contribute meaningfully to Eswatini’s media future,” Dlamini said.
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