Eswatini has officially launched the Gebeni satellite gateway as part of a Starlink initiative to enhance internet connectivity across the kingdom. This facility utilises low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to significantly improve communication speeds and overall efficiency.
Designed to provide reliable connectivity, the gateway will link schools, health centres, and local entrepreneurs, thereby facilitating e-learning, telemedicine, and online business opportunities, as noted by Prince Sicalo Dlamini.
Located in the Gebeni rural community within the Manzini district, this initiative reflects Eswatini’s commitment to connecting its people. Prince Dlamini expressed, “Eswatini is a proudly rural nation. Our population resides in vast valleys and mountainous regions, making it impractical and costly to install mobile towers universally or lay fibre cables in every village.”
He also highlighted the challenges faced as a landlocked country which relies on fibre links passing through neighbouring nations. Eswatini lacks direct access to undersea cables, leaving it vulnerable when these connections are disrupted or congested.
“Today marks a historic milestone; we are not merely inaugurating a facility—we are opening the door to a connected and prosperous future for every young person across the kingdom,” Prince Dlamini stated.
While local internet service providers have made significant progress, the rugged terrain of Eswatini continues to create obstacles in extending internet access to remote areas. Although 4G service covers about 95% of the kingdom’s 1.3 million citizens, actual internet usage remains low at approximately 58%, primarily due to infrastructural limitations.
The shift toward LEO satellite technology aligns with a regional trend in Southern Africa and neighbouring countries, aiming to bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible.
