By: Nkosiyabusa Nsibande
A total of 474 smartphones and five specialised BrailleNote 32-cell devices have been donated to vulnerable citizens and learners living with disabilities in a move that government believes could strengthen financial inclusion, improve access to education and expand participation in Eswatini’s growing digital economy.
The handover, facilitated by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, reflects a broader shift in how policymakers are approaching disability support. Rather than viewing technology access solely as a social welfare intervention, government increasingly sees digital connectivity as a critical economic enabler capable of linking vulnerable groups to financial services, educational opportunities and income-generating activities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla described the donation as a practical investment in empowerment and inclusion, particularly for citizens who continue to face barriers in accessing information, financial services and communication technologies.
“It is with great appreciation that I stand before you today to acknowledge and celebrate the generous donation of 474 smartphones from the Eswatini Communications Commission. This contribution is not merely a gift of technology; it is a powerful tool of inclusion, empowerment, and dignity for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Dladla.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the devices are already generating tangible benefits for recipients, particularly older persons and people living with disabilities who previously struggled to access services that many citizens now take for granted. As government services, grant payments and financial transactions increasingly migrate to digital platforms, access to a smartphone is becoming an important gateway to economic participation.
“The benefits of this programme are already evident. These smartphones have enabled our beneficiaries to receive their social grants securely, communicate with ease and explore livelihood opportunities,” she said. “This initiative is not just about gadgets; it is about dignity, independence and inclusion.”
According to Dladla, beneficiaries are using the devices to access mobile banking services, conduct mobile money transactions and obtain information on social programmes and health services. The intervention is also helping reduce the costs and logistical challenges associated with travelling long distances to access services that are increasingly available digitally.
For a country seeking to accelerate digital transformation, the initiative highlights a less discussed challenge: ensuring that vulnerable groups are not excluded from the benefits of technological advancement. While smartphone ownership continues to rise nationally, many people living with disabilities remain unable to afford devices that can connect them to educational content, digital financial services and employment opportunities.
Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Senator Savannah Maziya said the donation was inspired by the work undertaken by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office in advancing the welfare and inclusion of vulnerable groups.
“The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has taught the nation and government institutions that persons living with disabilities are citizens first and deserve equal opportunities to participate in society,” said Maziya.
She explained that the cost of smartphones remains a significant obstacle for many visually impaired citizens and learners, limiting their ability to access information and educational resources that are increasingly delivered through digital platforms.
“Without smartphones, many people living with disabilities are unable to access information and learning opportunities. These devices remain expensive for many families, making it difficult for learners and members of the disability community to fully participate in the digital environment,” she said.
To address this gap, the Ministry and ESCCOM donated five BrailleNote 32-cell devices designed specifically for visually impaired users. The specialised technology enables users to read, write and interact with digital content independently, providing access to educational materials and information resources that would otherwise remain out of reach. Maziya said the intervention forms part of government’s broader commitment to ensuring that digital transformation benefits all citizens regardless of their physical circumstances.
“We want to make sure that no one is left behind. These devices should help persons with disabilities touch the future,” she said. Beyond its social impact, the initiative also carries important economic implications. Financial institutions, mobile network operators and government agencies are increasingly delivering services through digital channels. For individuals without access to appropriate devices, exclusion from the digital ecosystem often translates into exclusion from economic opportunities.
The donation therefore represents more than a technology handover. It is an investment in human capital and economic participation. By enabling access to mobile banking, mobile money services, online learning platforms and digital communication tools, the devices can help beneficiaries participate more actively in the economy while reducing the barriers that have historically limited their opportunities.
As Eswatini continues investing in digital infrastructure and expanding access to online services, policymakers are increasingly recognising that connectivity alone is not enough. Ensuring that vulnerable citizens have the devices and assistive technologies needed to utilise these services may prove just as important in building an inclusive digital economy.
The partnership between ESCCOM, the Ministry of ICT and the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office demonstrates how targeted technology investments can simultaneously advance social protection objectives and economic inclusion, creating pathways for vulnerable citizens to participate more meaningfully in the country’s digital future.
