By Sizwe Dlamini
The Ministry of Information Communications and Technology (ICT) has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to conduct a Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA) for Eswatini.
Set to begin on August 21 and conclude on September 9, 2024, the survey’s objective is to identify and prioritize digital interventions crucial to Eswatini’s digital transformation journey.
The Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESERPAC) will carry out the DRA survey over the next three weeks in two parts, beginning with selected companies.
This launch took place at the United Nations House, Somhlolo Road, Mbabane. Present at the launch workshop were UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Henrik Franklin, Director of e-government at the Ministry of ICT, Bonga Ndlangamandla, Executive Director at ESERPAC, and various invited stakeholders.
UNDP Technical Analyst, Zandile Mthembu, highlighted Eswatini’s milestone achievement, stating, “We are very happy to announce that Eswatini is only the third country in Southern Africa, after Malawi and Namibia, to conduct this assessment.”
Bonga Ndlangamandla, the Director of e-government emphasized the importance of strong digital systems for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9, which focuses on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
“The Ministry of ICT is embarking on a transformative journey with the launch of the Eswatini Digitalization Strategy (2024-2028), themed ‘Government in Your Hand.’ Recently approved by the Cabinet, this strategy aims to advance Eswatini beyond the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolutions. If implemented effectively, it will revolutionize government services and the country’s overall service delivery. We are currently scoping and mobilizing resources from various partners to see our dream come to pass,” he said.
“A few months ago, we approached UNDP and shared our strategy with them. UNDP is one of the country’s committed development partners in various sectors, including ICT, and their swift response underscores their commitment,” he added.
Ndlangamandla also noted that the launch reflects the positive collaboration between the Ministry and UNDP. The inclusion of ESERPAC will assist in conducting a critical assessment and evaluating our standing in key areas such as Infrastructure, Regulation, Business, Government, and People. This foundational exercise is essential for guiding the next steps in Eswatini’s digitalization efforts.
He extended gratitude to all government ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector organizations present saying, “On behalf of the Minister of ICT and the Principal Secretary, who could not be present, we request your full engagement in this survey.”
“Your contributions are vital for generating a quality report that will inform future actions. We will soon present the survey findings and outline the subsequent steps for the ‘Government in Your Hand’ project. The success of Eswatini’s digital transformation depends on the collective effort of everyone involved.”
In closing, Ndlangamandla thanked the UNDP Eswatini Office, the UNDP Chief Digital Office for their financial and technical support, ESERPAC for their coordination and technical assistance, and all esteemed stakeholders participating in today’s briefing. Worth noting is that the survey consists of 96 questions.