By Ayanda Dlamini
The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has announced an extension of the deadline for submitting applications for broadcasting licenses, giving prospective applicants additional time to prepare and submit their proposals.
In General Notice No. 2 of 2026, ESCCOM confirmed that the application period, which initially opened on December 2, 2025, and was scheduled to close on January 27, has now been extended by twenty-one (21) days.
The new deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, February 17. According to ESCCOM CE Mvilawephi Dlamini, the decision to extend the deadline follows representations from prospective applicants who reported challenges in meeting the original timeline.
Dlamini noted that a significant portion of the application window fell during the December-to-January holiday season, a period that traditionally affects operational capacity for many organizations and individuals.
“The extension is intended to promote fairness, inclusivity, and the submission of complete, high-quality applications,” Dlamini emphasized, adding that the move reflects its commitment to a transparent, fair, and competitive broadcasting licensing process in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Although the deadline has been adjusted, the Commission clarified that all other terms, conditions, and requirements in the original Invitation to Apply (ITA) remain unchanged. Prospective applicants must therefore comply fully with the existing criteria and guidelines when preparing their submissions.
The CE, through a statement, further cautioned that applications submitted after the revised closing date of 17 February 2026 will not be considered under any circumstances.
Applicants are encouraged to use the extended timeframe to ensure that their documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with all regulatory requirements. The broadcasting license application process is part of ESCCOM’s broader mandate to regulate the communications sector and foster a diverse, competitive, and sustainable broadcasting environment.
By extending the deadline, the Commission aims to encourage broader participation and improve the overall quality of applications. Stakeholders and interested parties who require further information or clarification regarding the application process are advised to contact the Eswatini Communications Commission through its official communication channels.
Enquiries may also be directed to the Chief Executive via email at legal@esccom.org.sz.