By 
By Delisa Thwala
The recently launched Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA) report has revealed that Financial inclusion is high in Eswatini.
According to the National Financial Inclusion Strategy II (2023-2028) financial inclusion means that individuals and businesses have access to, and effectively use financial products and services that meet their needs, are affordable, and are delivered in a responsible and sustainable way.
In Eswatini Financial Inclusion was reported to be at 87% in 2023, it however has some short comings where the use of digital financial services is low.
The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MICT), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the results of the DRA in Eswatini, marking a significant milestone in the country’s path toward digital transformation.
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Supported by the UNDP’s Chief Digital Office, UNDP Eswatini, in close collaboration with MITC, assessed the country’s digital strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
The assessment, launched on August 21, 2024, paved the way for a strategic roadmap that aligns with national development priorities.
Worth mentioning is that, the DRA is a critical step in supporting Eswatini’s efforts to integrate digital solutions into all sectors, facilitating economic growth, enhancing public services, and fostering inclusive digital access.
The DRA whole-of-society approach involved multiple stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, civil society, development partners and academic leaders.
The DRA confirmed the country is systematically advancing in key areas of digital transformation based on identified priority areas.
Meanwhile in the Financial Inclusion segment, several significant barriers hindering the use of digital financial services were highlighted by Stakeholders, including concerns about data privacy and security.
Of this 26%, lack of knowledge about digital financial skills while 25%, lack trust on digital transactions and 23%, have limited access to internet or mobile networks.
“Of this 19% building trust and strengthening data protection measures, financial literacy, and improving the underlying digital infrastructure is necessary to drive greater adoption and usage of digital financial services in Eswatini,’’ reads the report in part.
Worth mentioning is that, the Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, highlighted the significance of this partnership with UNDP and its role in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
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“The findings in this report are key to the successful realisation of the Eswatini Government Digital Transformation Strategy, as they provide fundamental insights into the digital public infrastructure foundational elements that need to be strengthened as we pave the way for integrated digital services,” she said.
“The insights from this assessment will help us craft policies and frameworks that support our national digital transformation agenda. It is encouraging that the findings of this DRA are aligned with the Government in Your Hand Strategy,’’ she added.
UNDP Eswatini is working alongside MICT to identify strategies for building digital resilience, enhancing data management, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile UNDP remains committed to supporting Eswatini’s goals of achieving equitable digital transformation and fostering a vibrant digital economy that benefits all citizens.
Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC) partnered with UNDP in conducting the assessment.
