GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF ESWATINI

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY

PRESS STATEMENT

MINISTER FOR ICT ANNOUNCES DIGITAL TRAINING FOR 50 EDUCATORS THROUGH THE DIGITAL EDUCATOR GLOBAL ACADEMY

The Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training, announces a transformative opportunity for 50 educators from across Eswatini who will receive specialised training in digital education, marking a significant achievement towards Government’s commitment to equitable, tech-driven education. This digital training initiative is sponsored by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government under the Digital Educator Global Academy (DEGA) Program.

These educators have been selected through a rigorous and inclusive process, representing a diverse array of backgrounds, including rural school teachers, young talents, high-performing educators, and differently-abled teachers. This selection reflects the dedication of the Eswatini Government to an inclusive, innovative, and progressive educational landscape.

Highlighting the significance of the programme, Minister of ICT Hon. Savannah Maziya emphasized that, “This digital education initiative is aligned with our national 'Government in Your Hand' programme, committing ourselves to building a robust digital foundation for all, ensuring that, in every classroom across our kingdom, technology is used as a tool to promote equality and bridge educational gaps.”

The DEGA Program, accredited by Arizona State University, offers Eswatini’s educators access to cutting-edge educational technologies, artificial intelligence tools, and advanced e-learning methodologies. This training aligns closely with the Ministry of ICT’s digitalisation agenda 'Government in Your Hand' (GIYH) initiative, designed to bridge the digital divide and enhance educational access across all communities.

Minister of Education Hon. Owen Nxumalo further commended the programme, stating, “His Majesty is passionate about digital education, and has implored the Ministry of Education to ensure that schools have access to computer labs and internet connectivity. I urge the educators who are recipients of this digital training programme to show utmost dedication in the programme training, so that it can be expanded to benefit other educators in the country.”

The digital education training commences on 01 December, 2024, and concludes on 31 January, 2025. The UAE-hosted training will empower educators from 20 High Schools and 30 Primary schools to become digital champions within their communities. This programme stands to foster digital inclusivity and innovation in education in Eswatini.

The Ministry of ICT extends its heartfelt gratitude to the UAE for this generous support and partnership.  We further pledge to collaborate with all Ministries towards building an inclusive and digitally enriched future for the Kingdoms of Eswatini.

For more information, kindly send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF ESWATINI

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY

ESWATINI LAUNCHES THE DIGITAL READINESS ASSESSMENT REPORT 2024, PAVING THE WAY FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) has launched the Eswatini Digital Readiness Assessment Report 2024, a foundational document that charts Eswatini’s path towards comprehensive digital transformation, aligned with national development priorities. Developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this report provides a detailed overview of the country’s current digital infrastructure, accessibility, and digital literacy, forming a roadmap for the country's Eswatini Digitalization Strategy (2024–2028), named “Governemnt in Your Hand“ programme.

The Honourable Minister of ICT, addressing the attendees, highlighted the significance of the report towards the country’s digital transformation agenda. ‘The findings in this report are key to the successful realisation of the Eswatini Government Digital Strategy, as they provide fundamental insights into the digital public infrastructure foundational elements that need to be strengthened as we pave the way for integrated digital services.” The insights from this assessment will help craft policies and frameworks that support our national digital transformation agenda. It is encouraging that the findings of this DRA are aligned with the Government in Your Hand Strategy.’

The report, supported by the UNDP Digital Office, assessed essential digital infrastructure gaps, such as connectivity and public digital infrastructure, accessibility of public services digitally, affordability, digital literacy and strengthened digital ecosystem. It also emphasises the importance of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure secure digital transactions and foster a trustworthy digital environment.

With the support of UNDP, Eswatini is making steady progress towards enhancing its digital readiness and ecosystem. Recently, Eswatini participated in the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Summit in Egypt, hosting a GovStack introductory training for developers, solution architects and business analysts across government and the private sector. Further, a comprehensive GovStack training session is scheduled to commence on 25 November, empowering Government and private sector teams to build and deploy digital services aligned with international best practices.

UNDP Eswatini Resident Representative, present at the launch, emphasised the significance of this collaboration. “UNDP is committed to supporting Eswatini’s digital ambitions. The Digital Readiness Assessment Report is more than an evaluation; it is a blueprint for action that outlines how Eswatini can leverage digitalization for sustainable development and inclusive growth. Our shared goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in this digital journey, and UNDP is honored to support the Government of Eswatini through technical and strategic partnerships. We look forward to working closely with the Ministry and local stakeholders to build capacity and bring this digital vision to life.”

The Ministry extends its gratitude to UNDP Eswatini, the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESERPARC), and all partners involved in shaping the report. The dedication shown highlights the shared vision for a digitally inclusive Eswatini, one that harnesses technology to enhance public services, bridge the digital divide, and boost economic growth.

For more information, please contact:
Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact: 268 76252871

Anyone can be a victim of cyber-crime- Sakhile Dlamini

06 February 2024

Sakhile Dlamini is a Senior Communications Engineer in the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), a role that covers internet governance, cybersecurity, ecommerce, broadcasting infrastructure, telecommunications, and frequency spectrum, among others. In our latest civil servants’ blog, Dlamini tells us more about his work, including efforts to protect emaSwati from cyber threats.

Government Communications (GC): “What is your current job now and what does it entail? Please elaborate

Sakhile Dlamini (SD): “I am a Senior Communications Engineer. The job entails mainly the development of policy and legislative frameworks as well as carrying out projects, and programs in the communications sector such as internet governance, cybersecurity, ecommerce, broadcasting infrastructure, telecommunications, and frequency spectrum.”

GC: “Before this role, what other positions did you occupy in the Service?”

SD: “a. Network Engineer at Government Computer Services from 2010 to 2014.

2017. b. Communications Engineer 1 from 2014 to 2017.”

GC: “So far, what would you say the biggest highlight/achievement of your Civil Service journey has been?”

SD: “Playing a key role in the establishment of the National Chapter of the Internet Governance Forum (Eswatini IGF); contributing to the development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy and active participation in creating awareness on cyber- attacks and running of the Digital Terrestrial Television signal distribution network.”

GC: “What is the biggest project that you have been involved in working for Government?”

SD: “Implementing the Digital Migration project which facilitated the migration from analogue to digital television transmission. I have also been involved in the development of the Cyber Legislative frameworks, namely: Data Protection Act 2022, Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, 2022, and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2022.”

GC: “Cybercrime remains a threat countrywide. What is Government doing to curb this illegal act and ensure that emaSwati are safe online?”

SD: “Government has enacted the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, 2022 and developed the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2027. We also conduct awareness on cyber-crimes and threats. Government, through the Ministry of ICT, has established the National Cybersecurity Agency at ESCCOM, tasked with coordinating all cybersecurity issues in the country. Furthermore, the National Computer Incident Response Team (NCIRT) has been established under the National Cybersecurity Agency at ESCCOM. The NCIRT and the Police Service (REPS) provide platforms for emaSwati to report incidents they have been victim of. Government has also been creating awareness to the public on how to be safe online.”

GC: “What quick tips can you give to emaSwati to stay safe online?”

SD: “Create strong passwords; do not share your password with anyone; do not store your passwords; and avoid clicking on suspicious links on email and social media, i.e. WhatsApp groups.”

GC: “What lessons have you learnt while working on cybersecurity programs in Government?”

SD: “Cybersecurity awareness should be an ongoing activity for Government and should target all employee classes. Anyone can be a victim of cyber-crime.”

GC: “What do you love the most about working in Government?

SD: “Government is well structured and provides opportunity for growth through policies such as variation, promotion and training initiatives. Government also offers job security.”

GC: “What do you love the most about your job and profession?”

SD: “I love the fact that I can contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for socio-economic development through ICTs as well as the establishment of internet Governance frameworks and promoting the adoption of ICTs.”

GC: “What would you say are some of the challenges that come with your job?”

SD: “Inadequate funding for ICTs and a lack of budget for infrastructure development projects such as the Digital Terrestrial Television Network.”

GC: “What lessons have you learnt working for Government?”

SD: “Government is a well-structured institution, with many provisions for personnel development and improving the capacity of Government employees.”

GC: “What are your aspirations for the future in Government?”

SD: “I would love to see more empowerment provisions for Government employees including a medical aid facility. I would also love to see the streamlining of Government Ministries and departments and other institutions to achieve efficiency and eliminate duplication of efforts. Lastly, I hope to see an improved Performance Management System and more accountability in Government.”

--Ends—

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