The government of Eswatini has launched a digital economy strategy that aims to boost the country’s development and enhance service delivery. The strategy, which was developed with support from the World Bank, outlines the vision, objectives and actions for transforming Eswatini into a digital society by 2030.

The strategy focuses on five pillars: digital infrastructure, digital skills, digital platforms, digital entrepreneurship and innovation, and digital governance. The strategy also identifies key enablers such as policy and regulation, data protection and privacy, cybersecurity and digital inclusion.

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The strategy was launched by Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini on 8 February 2023 at a virtual event attended by government officials, development partners, private sector representatives and civil society organizations. The prime minister said the strategy was aligned with the country’s National Development Plan 2019-2022 and the Vision 2022, which aim to achieve sustainable economic growth and social development.

“The digital economy strategy is a timely and relevant intervention that will help us leverage the opportunities offered by digital technologies to improve the lives of our people. It will also help us address some of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as ensuring continuity of education, health and other essential services,” he said.

The World Bank Country Director for Eswatini, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, commended the government for its commitment to digital transformation and pledged the bank’s continued support for the implementation of the strategy.

“We are pleased to have supported the development of this strategy, which is a critical step towards building a resilient and inclusive digital economy in Eswatini. We look forward to working with the government and other stakeholders to translate this vision into reality and create more opportunities for all Eswatinis,” she said.

Source: World Bank