Current ICT Initiatives and projects - The Kingdom of Eswatini
The Eswatini Government is currently developing a Science and Technology Park, called the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), so that Swazis could have the opportunity to participate in the knowledge economy This park will create a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to facilitate FDI as well as R&D facilities to facilitate the transfer of research results into the market place. The project started in 2007 with preliminary studies and eventually moved into the construction stage in 2012 starting with the Innovation Park. An area of 160 hectares is being developed for Biotechnology related industries with funding from the Republic of China on Taiwan. The Republic of China on Taiwan is also currently sponsoring the construction of computer laboratories in selected schools throughout Swaziland. This covers construction of the main structure, electrical installation, carpentry fitting and the computers to be used by the students.
The Innovation Park at RSTP is comprised of the following business units; National Data Center, Advanced School of Information Technology, National Contact Centre and the Information Technology Business Incubator. The aim of the Advanced School of IT is to provide world class ICT training, nurturing entrepreneurship through innovation and research, with world-class ICT facilities and specialized ICT courses.
The Information Technology Business Incubator (ITBI) enables creators to commercialize their innovations in the fields of computer, mobile phone, Internet and electronic products or processes through entrepreneurship. This is achieved through provision of access to working space and amenities, business and technical services, technology transfer services and network of mentors, collaborators and advisors to admitted start-ups. The ITBI also provides start-ups with access to networks of potential investors.
The National Contact Centre (NCC) is another business unit within the Royal Science and Technology Park, based at Phocweni in Matsapha. NCC is one of the many initiatives that is taking the country to the world class status. The National Contact Centre that offers world-class business process outsourcing solutions. The Centre seeks to address issues that arise from the rapid changes taking place in the business environment, by using the latest Innovative technologies for commercialization in the country.
The National Data Centre (NDC) provides IT Managed services through the provision of advanced technology infrastructure that will enable companies to outsource their ICT functions and services, thus focus the bulk of their effort and budget on the delivery of their core products and services.
Cyber Security and Forensics Research Group: The Eswatini National Cyber Security Strategy (NCS) 2022 (Strategic Goal 4) that fosters a safer and secure information society for Eswatini, the CSF Research Group will also consider involving its members in conducting research to assess the levels of cyber security awareness across Eswatini. Promoting End-user education (Awareness) on cyber security good practices across eSwatini
OVC Management Information System : which, through Eswatini MTN Mobile Money technology, ensures OVC beneficiaries receive their payment in a fast and reliable manner while cutting out the cost and inconvenience of having to go to town to receive the said money.
Elderly Social Grant System : which facilitates the payment of elderly and disability grants through the Eswatini Post Offices and banks and decreases the costs of sending and receiving cash for elderly people as the previous procedures proved expensive for the Eswatini Government.
Eswatini Agricultural Science Information System (SASIS): which is a system that collects data on Agricultural production while also providing functions on database administration, queries and reports
Electronic Document Record Management System (EDRMS): which will facilitate the collection of data that would assist the Government of Eswatini in the management of its records and incoming mail. It will provide key features such as documents and content capture, workflow, document storage, document profiling, information searching and retrieval, check-in and check-out, version control, revision history, document security and electronic records management.
Government Wide Area Network (Microwave Technology): which will entail the installation of air fiber Wi-Fi backbone for government countrywide
Inpatient Information System: which is an internet based platform that captures the current diagnosis of patients at their exit of the health facility.
Development of a Parliament website: which will be an internet based platform that aims to provide a forum for Parliament and invited stakeholders to present their views on the contents and provisions of any subject under discussion in parliament.
Computerisation of Tinkhundla (Constituencies) Centres: Tinkhundla Centres are equipped to be utilised as central centres for e-Government Services which aims to provide infrastructure for communities to access government services from their constituencies.
