Mbabane, Eswatini – The Eswatini Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have joined forces to launch a Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA) Survey. This initiative aims to gain a clearer picture of the country’s current digital landscape and accelerate the implementation of the Eswatini Digitalization Strategy (2024-2028), aptly named “Government in Your Hand.”
The Ministry of ICT recognizes the crucial role of digital transformation in propelling Eswatini towards the 5th Industrial Revolution and beyond. To achieve this, they have partnered with UNDP. The UNDP Digital Office is supporting the collaboration with the Eswatini government, while SEPARC Eswatini, a local organization, will conduct the DRA Survey.
Public and private sector stakeholders, along with digital experts, participated in the launch ceremony. Officiating the event were UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin, Bonga Ndlangamandla, Director of e-Government, and Dr. Thabo Sacolo, Executive Director of SEPARC Eswatini.
“As a Ministry, we understand our role is to create a conducive technological environment for all stakeholders, public and private, to effectively deliver quality services to citizens,” stated Bonga Ndlangamandla, Director of e-Government.
UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin emphasized the importance of digital transformation: “Our strategy is for digital transformation to drive inclusive access to services, wherever they are. This can increase efficiency, competitiveness, and attract foreign direct investment – a key development enabler. However, any system we develop must ensure everyone benefits.”
Dr. Sacolo from SEPARC Eswatini highlighted the importance of stakeholder participation: “The puzzle pieces, the crucial data we need, lie with you – the stakeholders and experts. We not only collect data but also promote its use to shape discussions and policy. Without this information, all our resources are useless.”
Click here to access the survey: https://bit.ly/4dV0ctX
