Eswatini, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, has embarked on a significant partnership with Google. The aim is to leverage technology to modernise government services and boost economic growth. This collaboration, officially launched under the theme “Innovating Together: Strategic Partnerships for Eswatini’s Digital Transformation and Economic Prosperity,” seeks to integrate Google’s suite of tools and expertise into the government’s “Government in Your Hand” initiative, a key pillar of the country’s digital transformation strategy.
The “Government in Your Hand” initiative envisions a future where citizens can easily access government services online, from anywhere in the country. This includes initiatives such as:
- Online service portals: Providing citizens with convenient online platforms to access services like passport applications, driver’s license renewals, and tax filings.
- Mobile government applications: Developing user-friendly mobile apps for accessing government services, facilitating easier communication with government agencies, and disseminating important information to the public.
- Digital literacy programs: Implementing programs to equip citizens with the digital skills necessary to navigate online platforms, access government services, and participate in the digital economy.
- E-governance platforms: Developing secure and efficient electronic platforms for government internal operations, improving communication and collaboration within government departments.
Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, emphasised the youth-centric focus of the partnership. “This partnership is a step towards positioning Eswatini as a leader in the digital economy, unlocking opportunities for our people, especially the youth,” Minister Maziya stated. “This collaboration symbolizes a shared vision of leveraging innovation to transform Eswatini into a digital hub that competes globally. With 70% of our population being youth, this initiative lays the foundation for creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and accelerating sustainable economic development.”
By partnering with Google, Eswatini aims to accelerate the implementation of these initiatives. This collaboration is expected to encompass a range of initiatives, including:
- Empower the youth with digital skills: Equip young people with the necessary digital skills to thrive in the 21st-century economy through training programs, workshops, and access to digital resources.
- Enhance public service delivery: Integrate Google Workspace tools like Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Meet into government operations to streamline communication, enhance collaboration, and improve efficiency within government departments. 1 This could lead to faster service delivery for citizens, such as quicker processing of applications for passports, licenses, and other essential documents.
- Boost digital literacy and skills development: Implement programs to enhance digital literacy among government employees and the general public. This could involve training programs on Google Workspace tools, digital skills development initiatives, and programs to empower citizens to leverage technology for their own benefit.
- Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship: Leverage Google’s expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital marketing to support the growth of the local tech ecosystem. This could include initiatives to support startups, incubators, and innovation hubs within the country.
This partnership aligns with Eswatini’s broader vision of leveraging technology to improve the lives of its citizens. By partnering with Google, Eswatini aims to accelerate this digital transformation and unlock new opportunities for economic growth and social development.
