Africa-Press – Eswatini. Minister of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya has outlined the efforts made by Eswatini to bridge the digital divide among people living in this country.
Minister Maziya made these highlights when she represented Eswatini at the High-Level Thematic Round Table on Structural Transformation, Diversification, and Science, Technology & Innovation during the LLDCs Conference held in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
Key Highlights from Minister Maziya’s Remarks:
– She praised the Awaza Programme of Action for its inclusive approach to creating opportunities across productive sectors.
– Emphasized that Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are foundational for knowledge creation and economic diversification, which are essential for job creation, poverty reduction, and improvements in healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.
– Highlighted Eswatini’s efforts to bridge the digital divide through the Government In Your Hand Program, which digitizes government services to enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and convenience.
– Stressed the vision for Eswatini to become a digital solution hub in the region despite being landlocked, coining the phrase: “We may be landlocked but land liked.”
Progress and Impact in Key Areas:
– Digitalising Public Services:
– Unified mobile app for government services
– Modernized systems for better service delivery
– Digital public infrastructure enabling scalable and interoperable systems
– Expanding Broadband & Connectivity:
– Nationwide rollout of optic fibre
– Doubling cross-border internet capacity
– Free Wi-Fi hotspots at Tinkhundla centres, airports, and border posts
– Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem:
– Royal Science & Technology Park hosting the National Data Centre
– Labs at the Bio-Tech Park
– Startup incubation with innovations reaching global markets
– Institutions like the National Research Council, Academy of Sciences, and Youth Academy of Sciences
– Building Digital Skills for the Future:
– Nationwide coding program targeting 300 000 people
– Training 108 girls in Space Science
– Advanced training in AI, machine learning, geoinformatics, and cybersecurity
– AI basics training for legislators
Minister Maziya’s participation and the outlined initiatives demonstrate Eswatini’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation as drivers for sustainable development and regional integration.
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