Eswatini Municipalities Embrace Digital Future at ICMA Global Exchange

The country has welcomed over 40 senior city managers from around the world as part of the ICMA Global Exchange Programme, with a key focus on helping municipalities embrace digital transformation.

Phumlani Matse, the Information and Communications Manager at the Municipal Council of Manzini, was at King Mswati III International Airport on Monday to receive the international delegation, which includes representatives from the United States, Australia, South Africa, and other countries.

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Matse said the visit marked a significant step forward for the country’s municipalities, which are increasingly adopting digital tools to improve local governance.

“We are excited as we welcome our delegates who have arrived for the ICMA. This programme brings together local managers from around the world. They will be touring our beautiful kingdom, meeting with CEOs of municipalities and exchanging knowledge on municipal operations – particularly digitalisation,” Matse stated.

At the heart of this year’s exchange lies the theme of digital transformation within local governments. Matse noted that the concept of a digital municipality is no longer futuristic but a present necessity.

He highlighted examples ranging from the move towards paperless administrative systems to more sophisticated applications such as the use of sensors for utility management in water and electricity distribution.

He added that while the kingdom had made commendable strides in areas like waste segregation and urban planning, digitalisation remained the most compelling topic of discussion.

“We are seeing digitalisation at different levels. From the basic move away from paper-based administration to smart infrastructure solutions – the digital shift is happening, and we must be prepared to embrace it,” he explained.

Matse expressed hope that the exchange would spark long-term partnerships and encourage further investments in municipal innovation. “We are looking forward to learning from them, and them from us,” he said, underscoring the mutual value of the exchange.

The ICMA Global Exchange Programme, spearheaded by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), is renowned for promoting international collaboration and the sharing of innovations in municipal governance.

This year, Eswatini is the proud host, marking a significant milestone for the country’s urban development agenda.

The official launch of the programme was last Friday at the Manzini Civic Offices, where government officials, municipal leaders, and development partners gathered.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala joined senior representatives from the Eswatini Local Authorities Managers Association (ELAMA) and municipal CEOs to welcome the initiative and reaffirm the kingdom’s commitment to modernising local governance.

Throughout the week, delegates will not only participate in discussions and workshops but will also tour various municipalities across the country.

These site visits are expected to showcase both the challenges and achievements of local authorities, offering a platform for peer learning and future collaboration.

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