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Subscriptions

printing of papers and paying of the marNers. 'r 'lamini said Ey estaE

MBABANE – An increase in mobile cellular and broadband market penetration results in positive outcomes, which impact economic growth meaningfully.

This is the view of the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) in its latest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector report, which depicts that the numEer of moEile smart-phones in use increased Ey 22 per cent from

9 to 09 1 , with smartphone penetration conseTuently advancing from per cent to 0 per cent. The report details the performance of the Electronic Communications sector, particularly ICT access and usage. The report depicts that the increase in demand and use of digital services was demonstrated Ey the growth in smartphone connectivity on moEile networNs. ³*iven the rise in smartphone penetration, positive spin-offs are anticipated in the medium to long-term such as an improvement in digital inclusion, availing access of services to the previously unconnected segments of society,´ reads the report.

$ccording to the 8nited 1ations Conference on Trade and 'evelopment (81CT$') 'igital Economy 5eport 2021, the increase in moEile suEscriptions, that is, the uptaNe of new SIM cards and additions to the suEscriEer Ease can also Ee explained Ey the gradual growth of the population in a country. In the local context, government through the Central Statistics Office (CSO) produced population projections from 201 to 20 for the country, Eased on the 201 Eswatini Population and Housing Census, the projections hinge on different assumptions aEout the future trends in fertility, mortality, international and internal migration as reflected in the report. The report depicts that the country¶s population growth rate is approximated to Ee steady over the projection period, at around 1.2 per cent and 1. per cent per annum. This projection is Eased on declining Eirth rates and corresponding death rates, less net international migration rates.

The main reasons for the theoretical postulations Eehind the projections are expected decreasing crude Eirth rates from 2 .9 per cent in 201 to 21. per cent in 20 and declining crude death rates from . per cent in 201 to .9 per cent in 20 .

³Crude Eirth rates decline steadily through the projection period as a result of increased level of education of women, while in the case of death rates, declines result from expanded access to $ntiretroviral drugs ($59s) for the management of HI9/ lishing a local accreditation %oard, the examination fees paid would Ee $I'S infection and improved health care system, which increases life expectancy at Eirth,´ reads the report. ESCCOM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mvilawemphi 'lamini shared that His Majesty .ing Mswati III, in his speech on the official opening of the )ourth Session of the 11th Parliament the important role that ICT played in the development of the economy and the significance of digital transformation in the entire economic value chain.

Transformation

The CEO shared that the rapid pace of transformation, which accelerated in the waNe of the CO9I'-19 pandemic, had compelled individuals, Eusinesses and governments to µgo virtual¶ to meaningfully participate in the economy and society. ³The role played Ey ICT in the economy extends through the various sectors of the economy from agriculture, education and health to trade, industry and entrepreneurship. 1umerous critical operations and services in the country hinge on ICT, for example, the accessing of government¶s services using technology (e-government services),´ said 'lamini. 'lamini said in the 1ational 'evelopment Plan 2019/20 – 2021/22, ICT was identified as a driver for economic growth and sustainaEle development. He mentioned that this called for more investment in a supportive policy frameworN for ICT development, as well as promotion of the use of ICT to increase efficiencies across sectors of the country.