Ministry Presses Ahead with ‘Government In Your Hand’ Initiative

Long queues and costly journeys to government offices could soon become a thing of the past, as the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) forges ahead with its ambitious ‘Government In Your Hand’ (GIYH) initiative. Designed to bring public services directly to citizens via smartphones and digital platforms, this initiative aims to accelerate the nation’s transformation into a modern, knowledge-based economy by 2024.

Digital Revolution in the Public Sector

Speaking at a recent press conference, officials emphasized that GIYH represents a critical leap forward in digitizing government services. By harnessing cutting-edge technology—such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning—the Ministry plans to streamline everything from license applications to social service enrollment.

“Google’s global influence has enormous potential for helping us connect citizens with government services,” an official noted, referring to the Ministry’s collaborations with major tech players like Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Alibaba Cloud, and IBM. “Around 70% of our population is under 35, so leveraging mobile technology is key to empowering the next generation.”

Partnerships with Global Tech Giants

The Ministry is working closely with several international technology partners to ensure robust, secure, and efficient platforms. These collaborations focus on:

1. Cloud Infrastructure:
   • Hosting essential government data and services on secure, scalable platforms, enabling fast access for citizens and businesses.
2. AI and Machine Learning:
   • Automating routine government processes—like processing applications and responding to frequently asked questions—to reduce wait times and cut operational costs.
3. Cybersecurity and Data Protection:
   • Ensuring the safety of citizens’ information through encrypted transactions, secure data storage, and continuous monitoring.
4. Connectivity and Innovation Hubs:
   • Expanding high-speed internet coverage nationwide, and creating incubation hubs to support local tech startups focused on e-government solutions.
5. Digital Payments and Public Services:
   • Integrating digital payment platforms to streamline fees and taxes, while also enabling citizens to access vital services—healthcare, education, and welfare—through a single digital portal.

Advancing Citizen-Centric Services

Under the GIYH initiative, the government aims to offer a wide range of services directly to citizens via smartphones and online platforms. These services include:

• Renewal of Identity Documents and Licenses:
  Eliminating long queues at physical offices by digitizing the application and renewal processes.
• Social Service Enrollment:
  Streamlining access to benefits such as pensions, disability support, and child welfare programs, reducing red tape and administrative backlogs.
• Business Registration and Support:
  Offering simplified online registration, tax filing, and grant applications to encourage entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Building a Knowledge Economy

A key goal of the GIYH initiative is to transform Eswatini into a knowledge-based economy, fostering innovation and skill development among the youth. Through partnerships with tech companies and educational institutions, the Ministry plans to:

• Upskill Public Servants:
  Training government employees in emerging technologies and digital governance to ensure efficient implementation of new systems.
• Inspire the Next Generation:
  Creating coding academies and digital literacy programs in schools to equip students with the skills needed for tomorrow’s job market.
• Promote Entrepreneurship:
  Offering co-working spaces, mentorship programs, and incubation hubs for startups working on e-government solutions and other tech-driven projects.

Looking Ahead

Officials at the Ministry of ICT stress that while the GIYH initiative is ambitious, its successful implementation will position Eswatini as a regional leader in digital governance. By streamlining service delivery, cutting costs, and spurring innovation, the project promises to transform how citizens interact with their government.

“Our vision is clear,” a Ministry representative stated. “We want to reduce bureaucracy, improve transparency, and drive economic growth by embracing technology. If we get this right, it will be a game-changer for our country.”

With global tech giants on board and a youth population eager for digital solutions, the stage is set for Eswatini to emerge as a thriving, tech-driven economy—one where government services truly fit in the palm of every citizen’s hand.