The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has granted full scholarships to two outstanding students at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), through the 2025 Girls in ICT Sponsorship Programme.
The initiative aims to increase female participation in the ICT sector, where representation remains critically low.
The scholarships were awarded to Tembuso Ngwenya, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student, and Siphesihle Shongwe, pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The awards ceremony was held on October 29, 2025, at ESCCOM’s Head Office, with senior officials from the Commission, the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), and the Ministry of Education in attendance to honor the recipients.
During the ceremony, ESCCOM’s Chief Executive, Mvilawemphi Dlamini, expressed pride in the Commission’s efforts to promote gender inclusion in ICT. He highlighted that the sponsorship is part of ESCCOM’s strategic plan to support the government’s goal of building a digitally empowered and inclusive society.
“The Girls in ICT Sponsorship is one of the Commission’s most proud initiatives, a deliberate effort to support and align with the government’s drive to encourage young women to study and work in ICT-related fields,” said the CE. “We recognize that women’s participation in technology is still low, and through this program, we aim to change this by providing opportunities to talented students, especially those from less privileged backgrounds.”
With this latest group, the total number of beneficiaries under the Girls in ICT Sponsorship Program has increased to six. Each sponsored student receives comprehensive support, including tuition, housing, a monthly stipend, and a laptop to assist their studies.
Strategic and Transformational Investment
The CE emphasized that this investment is both strategic and transformative, aiming to develop a new generation of female ICT professionals who can contribute to Eswatini’s digital transformation.
“This is not just a gift; it’s a commitment and responsibility,” he stated. “We expect our beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and to seize this opportunity fully.”
He also warned that the Commission will monitor academic progress closely, and any student who fails to meet the required standards risks losing their sponsorship.
Dlamini called on parents and guardians to actively support their children’s success, stressing that mentorship and encouragement at home are vital for sustained academic achievement.
“Success in higher education requires both institutional support and strong guidance at home,” he said.
He encouraged the recipients to take advantage of the many opportunities in the ICT industry, from software development and data science to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications, emphasizing the sector’s enormous potential to transform lives and drive Eswatini’s growth.
“If our beneficiaries embrace these opportunities, they can change their own lives and make meaningful contributions to the country’s digital progress,” he added.
Women Are Underrepresented in ICT Fields
Representing the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology, Under Secretary Macanjana Motsa congratulated the recipients and praised ESCCOM for supporting women’s participation in ICT.
She pointed out that globally, women are still underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, a challenge that requires focused and ongoing efforts from both government and the private sector.
“Globally and locally, women remain underrepresented in ICT and STEM. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), women make up less than 30% of the ICT workforce worldwide, and in Africa, the number is even lower,” she said. “This gap is not just a gender issue but a development issue. Eswatini cannot reach full digital transformation with half of its talent missing.”
Motsa urged the scholars to see this sponsorship as an opportunity to lead and motivate others.
“To our talented girls, today marks the start of a journey where you will not only study but also lead. You are entering fields that create solutions shaping the world. From cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, from data engineering to renewable energy, you belong here,” she said.
“Your footsteps are not ordinary; they are trailblazing, opening doors for future girls who will look up to you and believe they too can dream and achieve.”
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to promoting digital inclusion through initiatives like Government in Your Hand, digital literacy programs, and public-private partnerships to expand STEM access for girls.
“When we support and empower our girls to participate in ICT, the whole nation benefits,” Motsa concluded.
On behalf of the students, Tembuso expressed appreciation and determination to make the most of her opportunity. She stated that the scholarship is more than just financial help; it is a symbol of recognition and empowerment.