Eswatini steps up its game with 5G 🚀

Cliquez ici pour lire en français

Eswatini announced a partnership with Google in January 2025 to enhance access to digital services. A few months later, on March 24, the country’s public mobile operator unveiled the launch of 5G in the kingdom. This advancement facilitates the integration of new technologies and improves access to digital services.

A driver of innovation and growth 📈

According to Eswatini Mobile, the implementation of 5G is not just about improving connection speeds.

“The launch of 5G marks a fundamental shift in how Emaswati connect, communicate, and conduct their activities. It aims to enhance educational opportunities, stimulate economic growth, promote innovation, and empower communities. Thus, 5G is set to transform every aspect of life in the kingdom,” the operator stated in a press release.

A study by Dell Technologies published in 2021 found that 5G can deliver speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G networks. These capabilities pave the way for more advanced applications in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and e-commerce.

A progressing digital framework 🌍

On an institutional level, Eswatini is showing promising progress in digital development. According to the United Nations e-Government Development Index (EGDI) in 2024, the kingdom ranks 113th globally with a score of 0.6081 out of 1. This figure surpasses the African average (0.4247) but remains slightly below the global average (0.6382).

A 2024 study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) describes the country’s digital preparedness as “systematic.” It states that Eswatini is making structured progress in line with its strategic priorities. With an overall score of 2.6, the country is recording notable advancements while identifying sectors requiring further investment.

Challenges in deploying 5G ⚠️

Despite these advancements, the widespread rollout of 5G in Eswatini faces several challenges. Currently, the coverage of this mobile technology is limited to the cities of Matsapha and Manzini. Expanding the network across the entire country will require significant investments. According to Ericsson, the initial cost of deploying 5G ranges between $3 billion and $8 billion, with an additional 20% to 35% needed for full nationwide coverage.

At the same time, the adoption of 5G also depends on the accessibility of compatible devices. However, the high cost of 5G smartphones remains a barrier to widespread adoption. This constraint could limit the impact of 5G on the use of digital services.

To fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by 5G, Eswatini’s authorities will need to address these financial and logistical challenges. They must also work towards democratizing access to the necessary tools for this digital transformation.

What do you think?
Can 5G truly accelerate digital development in Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments! 😊