Eswatini Introduces Starlink-Driven Solutions for Businesses and Local Communities
Paratus Eswatini Steps Up Digital Inclusion Efforts in Eswatini
Paratus Eswatini, a joint venture between Paratus Group and Real Image Internet, is making significant strides in delivering robust digital infrastructure and innovative connectivity solutions in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The company recently held an official launch event on July 25, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to providing scalable connectivity across the nation [1].
Schalk Erasmus, Group CEO of Paratus, expressed pride in the achievements of Paratus Eswatini in the last few months and excitement for the future of digital inclusion in Eswatini. Erasmus stated that Paratus Eswatini will help create a brighter future for the people and communities of Eswatini [1].
To achieve this goal, Paratus Eswatini is focusing on expanding connectivity across Eswatini and committing to community initiatives. One of the key components of this effort is the deployment of Starlink satellite internet kits, which Paratus Eswatini is distributing to schools to enable quick internet connectivity without the need for traditional infrastructure like trenching [2].
Four Starlink kits were donated to selected schools as part of a broader intention to cover approximately 300 high schools nationwide, especially those with underused ICT labs due to lack of connectivity [2]. This donation was recognized by the regulator ESCCOM as an important step toward achieving universal digital access in education [2].
Paratus’s EduLINK initiative underpins these efforts by providing satellite-based internet solutions specifically targeting remote and underserved schools. EduLINK offers schools a full Starlink hardware kit, professional installation, local support, and 2 TB of monthly priority data, with additional buffering to maintain access beyond that limit [3][4]. This service supports hybrid teaching, digital examinations, and access to online resources, aiming to close the digital divide and support digital skills development critical for students in isolated regions [3][4].
The future plans include scaling up the deployment of Starlink-based connectivity through EduLINK across Eswatini’s schools in partnership with governmental stakeholders, leveraging Paratus’s pan-African experience from similar projects like Eduvision in Namibia, which has benefited over 12,000 students. Paratus’s leadership has also urged broader adoption of Starlink technology within the country as a cost-effective, scalable solution for nationwide digital inclusion [1][2][3].
Ali Resting, the MD of Paratus Eswatini, stated that the partnership with Paratus Group strengthens Paratus Eswatini's ability to deliver robust, scalable connectivity across Eswatini [1]. The services provided by Paratus Eswatini are designed to meet the growing demands of Eswatini's digital economy and promote inclusive access to digital tools and services.
In summary, Paratus Eswatini’s digital inclusion initiatives currently involve:
- Expanding reliable connectivity nationwide through a joint venture with Real Image Internet [1]
- Donating and installing Starlink satellite internet kits in schools to enable immediate connectivity without complex infrastructure [2]
- Deploying the EduLINK program providing satellite internet, local support, and substantial data allowances for education purposes in collaboration with government agencies [3][4]
- Planning to scale these efforts to most high schools in Eswatini to bridge the digital access gap and support hybrid and digital learning models [2][3].
These coordinated actions illustrate a strong trajectory toward improving digital inclusion in Eswatini through innovative satellite internet solutions and strategic partnerships targeting educational institutions and communities.
[1] Paratus Group. (2025). Paratus Eswatini Launch. Retrieved from https://paratusgroup.com/news/paratus-eswatini-launch/ [2] Eswatini Observer. (2025). Paratus Eswatini Donates Starlink Kits to Schools. Retrieved from https://eswatiniobertserver.com/paratus-eswatini-donates-starlink-kits-to-schools/ [3] Paratus Group. (2025). EduLINK Programme. Retrieved from https://paratusgroup.com/solutions/edulink/ [4] Eswatini Times. (2025). Paratus Eswatini Launches EduLINK Programme. Retrieved from https://eswatinitimes.com/paratus-eswatini-launches-edulink-programme/
- Paratus Eswatini's efforts to enrich education in Eswatini include distributing Starlink satellite internet kits to schools, aiming to reach approximately 300 high schools.
- The EduLINK initiative by Paratus Eswatini offers satellite-based internet solutions to schools, supporting hybrid teaching, digital examinations, and access to online resources, leading to digital skills development.
- Beyond expanding connectivity, Paratus Eswatini's digital inclusion plans involve strategic partnerships and scalable, satellite-based solutions in space-and-astronomy and technology to ensure nationwide digital access and infrastructure for education and development.
