Eswatini has earmarked E413.9 million (about US$26 million) in its 2026/27 national budget to accelerate the implementation of its digital economy agenda, reaffirming the government’s commitment to leveraging technology as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and improved public services. The allocation forms part of a broader E36.92 billion (US$2.32 billion) budget that was recently presented to Parliament by Minister of Finance Neil Rijkenberg in Mbabane, signalling that digital transformation remains a key priority for the Southern African kingdom as it seeks to build a knowledge‑based economy.
In his address to the Speaker of Parliament, Saara Kuugongelwa‑Amadhila, and legislators, Minister Rijkenberg emphasised that the new allocation would support the government’s mandate to deepen information and communication technologies (ICT) implementation across sectors. “In pursuing its mandate of transforming the digital economy agenda, the government will continue to focus on information and communication technologies implementation as a priority and a key enabler to attain the vision of a knowledge‑based economy and digitally inclusive society,” he said, highlighting that digital infrastructure and services are central to the country’s long‑term development strategy.
Of the total allocation, E35 million (around US$2.2 million) has been specifically designated to upgrade Eswatini’s central mainframe computer system. This upgrade is intended to address frequent service downtimes that have affected e‑government services, ensuring more reliable access for citizens and businesses interacting with digital public platforms. E‑government services have been a focal point of the digital strategy, and strengthening core infrastructure is seen as essential to improve efficiency, transparency and accessibility of government services.
In reviewing outcomes from the previous financial year, Rijkenberg highlighted a range of achievements across key areas of the ICT sector, including regulatory enforcement, spectrum management, cybersecurity and data protection. There have also been notable developments in infrastructure support, broadcasting expansion, postal and courier reform, and consumer protection, all of which contribute to a more robust digital ecosystem. According to the minister, these efforts have yielded significant progress in e‑government implementation and service delivery across various government ministries and agencies.
One of the flagship digital initiatives highlighted is the Government in Your Hand (GIYH) app, which was launched in May 2025 to bring public services closer to citizens through a mobile platform. Rijkenberg reported that the app has been downloaded more than 10 000 times, with user adoption continuing to grow daily. GIYH serves as a unified platform through which Eswatini residents can access government information, submit requests, and interact with services in a more user‑friendly and efficient way, enhancing civic participation and convenience.
The budget speech also underscored the government’s focus on addressing the digital skills gap, which the Ministry of Finance described as a critical barrier to full digital inclusion and economic competitiveness. As part of this effort, more than 5 000 citizens have already enrolled in free digital literacy courses offered through the Coders Eswatini initiative, a programme launched in collaboration with partners from the United Arab Emirates. The initiative aims to equip Eswatini’s workforce with essential skills in areas such as Android development, artificial intelligence (AI), data science and programming, strengthening local capacity for innovation and job creation.
Minister Rijkenberg noted that the long‑term target is to upskill 300 000 Eswatini citizens through these and related programmes, a goal that reflects the government’s ambition to foster a digitally competent workforce capable of participating in the global digital economy. Expanding digital skills training aligns with broader continental priorities articulated under frameworks such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which advocates for improved digital literacy, infrastructure development and inclusive access as foundations for sustainable development.
The new budget allocation also responds to growing recognition that digital technologies can support economic diversification, particularly in smaller economies like Eswatini’s, which can benefit from increased participation in regional and global digital value chains. By enabling greater access to online services, entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and youth innovators are better positioned to create and scale digital solutions that address local needs while tapping into export opportunities.
Eswatini’s digital economy push comes against the backdrop of a broader regional focus on ICT development and innovation. Across Southern Africa, governments are investing in digital infrastructure and skills development to improve competitiveness, expand financial inclusion and attract investment. The government’s emphasis on cybersecurity and data protection also reflects a growing global emphasis on securing digital environments and building trust among users.
As the 2026/27 financial year unfolds, the success of Eswatini’s digital agenda will be closely watched by regional partners and development stakeholders, particularly as the country implements its ambitious programmes and aims to transform its digital landscape in ways that deliver tangible benefits for citizens, businesses and public institutions alike.
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