By: Nkosiyabusa Nsibande
The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology’s first-quarter performance report highlights more than just operational progress. Strong budget execution, expanded broadband infrastructure, improved digital government services, and rising public sector revenues indicate that ICT investment is increasingly becoming an economic growth strategy. As Eswatini accelerates digital transformation, the financial benefits are expected to extend beyond government to business productivity, financial inclusion, e-commerce, and long-term private-sector competitiveness.
Eswatini’s latest ICT performance figures demonstrate that digital infrastructure is increasingly being treated as productive economic capital rather than ordinary public expenditure. While much attention is often given to roads, electricity, and water infrastructure, the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology’s first-quarter performance report for the 2026/27 financial year shows that investment in digital networks, government technology platforms, and communications infrastructure is becoming equally important in supporting economic growth. For businesses, investors, and financial institutions, the report provides evidence that the government is laying the foundations for a more connected and efficient economy.
The Ministry achieved a 76% budget absorption rate during the first quarter, reflecting strong implementation of planned programs and capital projects. In public finance, budget absorption is more than a measure of spending. It indicates an institution’s ability to convert approved funding into completed projects and productive assets. High execution rates improve confidence among investors and development partners because they suggest that public resources are being deployed efficiently rather than remaining idle. In the ICT sector, timely expenditure also stimulates activity across telecommunications, engineering, software development and technology supply chains, creating broader economic value beyond government operations.
Among the quarter’s most significant milestones was the 96% completion of the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) Infrastructure Rebuild Project. Telecommunications infrastructure rarely attracts the same public attention as transport projects, yet it underpins nearly every modern economic activity. Reliable communications networks reduce operational disruptions, improve service quality, and create capacity for businesses to adopt cloud computing, digital payments, and online commerce. Completing the rebuild project also reduces future maintenance risks while strengthening the country’s digital resilience.
The continued expansion of fiber connectivity further reinforces Eswatini’s long-term digital investment strategy. Fiber deployment now reaches 26,528 home passes, extending high-speed internet access to more households and businesses. Fiber infrastructure is considered a long-life economic asset because it supports faster broadband speeds, greater reliability, and significantly higher data capacity than traditional technologies. For small businesses, improved broadband enables participation in e-commerce and digital marketing, while financial institutions benefit from more secure and efficient electronic banking services. As digital connectivity expands, productivity gains are likely to spread across multiple sectors of the economy.
Equally significant was the increase in international internet capacity. Cross-border connectivity was upgraded from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, increasing Eswatini’s total international bandwidth to 120 Gbps. From a business perspective, international bandwidth functions as strategic infrastructure that supports trade, financial services, and digital investment. Higher capacity reduces network congestion, improves internet quality, and creates room for future demand from businesses, educational institutions, and government platforms. Enhanced international connectivity also strengthens Eswatini’s attractiveness to technology-driven investors seeking reliable digital infrastructure.
The Ministry also strengthened digital public service delivery by enhancing the Government in Your Hand (GIYH) mobile application. Six additional payment services were introduced, allowing citizens to access more government services through secure digital platforms. The financial significance extends beyond convenience. Digital payments reduce cash-handling costs, improve transparency, strengthen revenue collection, and generate electronic transaction records that support accountability. Over time, wider adoption of digital government payments can lower administrative costs while making public services more accessible across the country.
Investment in digital infrastructure was accompanied by investment in human capital. During the quarter, 473 emaSwati received training in basic computer literacy and digital citizenship, while assistive technologies and digital devices were provided to vulnerable groups and learners living with disabilities. Although these initiatives have important social outcomes, they also carry long-term economic value. A digitally skilled workforce is increasingly essential for attracting investment, improving labor productivity, and supporting entrepreneurship in an economy where technology continues to reshape business operations.
The report also highlights the growing role of the national postal network in expanding financial access. All 34 Post Offices now provide non-tax government revenue collection services through a partnership with the Eswatini Revenue Service. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the government is improving service accessibility while maximizing returns on public assets. Rural communities, in particular, stand to benefit from easier access to payment services without having to travel long distances to government offices.
Another encouraging indicator comes from the logistics sector. The Phatsisa Tsine e-commerce delivery service recorded more than 100% parcel growth, while cross-border deliveries increased by 30% during the quarter. Rising parcel volumes generally indicate expanding online commercial activity, greater consumer confidence in digital transactions, and increased participation by local businesses in e-commerce. As online trade grows, complementary industries, including payments, transport, warehousing, and insurance, are also positioned to benefit.
Financial performance improved within public broadcasting as well. Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) collected E1.43 million in revenue during the first quarter, a substantial increase from E180,904 recorded during the corresponding period last year. While public broadcasters traditionally rely heavily on government funding, stronger internally generated revenue contributes to financial sustainability and reduces pressure on public finances. The improvement also demonstrates that operational reforms can strengthen commercial performance within state institutions.
Viewed collectively, the Ministry’s first-quarter performance report presents a broader economic narrative than technology deployment alone can. Strong budget execution, expanding fiber infrastructure, greater international bandwidth, improved digital payment systems, growing e-commerce activity, and stronger institutional revenues all point to an economy where digital investment is becoming an important driver of productivity and competitiveness.
For Eswatini, the financial returns on these investments will ultimately depend on how effectively businesses, entrepreneurs and consumers utilize the expanding digital ecosystem. However, the first-quarter results indicate that the government is steadily building the infrastructure needed to support private-sector growth, improve financial inclusion, and position the country for greater participation in the regional and global digital economy.
