Stories from the Field

Swaziland: Improving the Business Environment with ICT

Economic growth in Swaziland has been unsteady, but improvement in labor relations could help increase interest in investing there.

Mbuso Dlamini is an information and communication technology officer at Swaziland’s Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission, a newly independent body that oversees labor relations and dispute resolution. Mr. Dlamini uses dgCommunities as a reference and for guidance on effective ICT management, strategic planning, and public information.

To keep up with the ever-changing world of information and communications technologies, Mr. Dlamini accesses dgCommunities almost every day. The portal has helped him develop a sound ICT strategic plan for the commission and led to the creation of its first-ever Web site. The site is used to communicate with employers, employees, trade unions, and the general public.

“The outcome of that [Web site] project was really unexpected,” said Mr. Dlamini. “My e-mail box is now full of inquiries from the public and from people overseas who want to invest in Swaziland and are interested in knowing more about the labor laws and legislation.”

In addition to the economic benefits for the country, Mr. Dlamini appreciates the role of ICT in promoting transparency and accountability, which lead to good governance within the commission. In addition, having free access to labor information empowers the citizens of Swaziland. Information technology assists the commission to fulfill its mission of providing quick, fair, and easy-to-access dispute resolution services—and in a small way to help promote peace and equality among the people of Swaziland.

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