His Majesty King Mswati III says a high-performing public sector strengthens trust, accelerates investment, improves social outcomes and enhances the overall resilience of a nation.
This was shared by the king during the official opening of the 44th African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) Roundtable Conference at Esibayeni Lodge yesterday, which was attended by over 500 delegates.
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The king, who was represented by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane, stated that excellence drove economic competitiveness and enabled government to deliver on its promises.
He said excellence also upheld the principle that every Liswati deserves timely, efficient and compassionate service.
He then highlighted some national programmes that contributed to building a digitally capable and agile government.
The king stated that these programmes supported integrated digital services, secure data management and inter-ministerial collaboration.
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His Majesty added that the National Data Centre, housed at the Royal Science and Technology Park, formed part of Eswatini’s broader digital transformation infrastructure by providing the backbone for government and other digital services managed within the country.
“The kingdom also continues to expand the National Broadband Network, improving access to digital connectivity across the country,” he said.
His Majesty added that digital transformation had also extended to the education sector through the Universal Access and Service Fund under Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), which has supported ICT laboratories and internet connectivity in several schools.
He said this initiative has also extended to Tinkhundla Service Centres, where Emaswati could access the internet at no cost.
The king also noted that Eswatini was strengthening public service performance through programmes such as the performance management system (PMS), which enhances accountability, professionalism and measurable results across ministries.
“The country is also strengthening its e-government initiatives through the Government-In-Your-Hand programme, which seeks to seamlessly bring services to Emaswati with just a click,” he said.
He said within the health sector, the country had introduced digital initiatives that included a client management information system, a logistics management information system and a warehouse management system to track the movement of medicines.
‘Citizens deserve a responsive public service’
Mabulala Maseko says the citizens they serve as ministers of public service deserve nothing less than an efficient, dignified and responsive public service.
This was shared by the minister during the opening of the 44th session of the African Public Administration (AAPAM) Roundtable Conference.
He said as the world evolved at unprecedented speed, driven by rapid digital innovation, rising citizen expectations, widening inequality and other pressures, their systems must adapt.
He said digital transformation was no longer optional, but foundational to effective governance. By digitising services, strengthening systems and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, Maseko said government could deliver services with the efficiency, transparency, and agility required in the 21st century.
“We view this conference as a platform for forging stronger partnerships, deepening regional cooperation and gaining insights that will help us accelerate our reform efforts,” he said.
Maseko added that the country hoped the deliberations being held would inspire practical solutions, renewed commitment and shared momentum towards building agile, efficient and citizen-centred public services across the continent.
‘AAPAM has been a pillar of excellence’
AAPAM President Dr John Nakabago says for over 40 years, it has been a pillar of excellence in public administration.
This was shared by Nakabago who welcomed dignitaries and agencies attending the conference from countries including Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, France, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, the United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
He said their mission as AAPAM was to strengthen institutions, foster innovation and support sustainable development across Africa.
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