Eswatini Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This comprehensive guide covers Eswatini's (formerly Swaziland) phone numbering system with country code +268. Learn how to validate, format, and integrate Eswatini phone numbers into your applications. Discover emergency services, short codes, toll-free numbers, the numbering plan, and implementation best practices. Find practical code examples, validation strategies, and regulatory insights to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Emergency Services in Eswatini: Ensure Rapid Response

When developing applications that interact with emergency services, prioritize accuracy and speed. This section covers essential information and best practices for handling emergency calls in Eswatini.

Access Critical Emergency Numbers

Eswatini uses 3-digit emergency numbers, providing quick access to vital assistance. Call these numbers toll-free 24/7 from any network:

• 🚨 Police Emergency: 999
• 🔥 Fire Department: 933
• 🚑 Ambulance Services: 977

Source: List of emergency telephone numbers - Wikipedia; NDMA Eswatini Emergency Numbers

Display these numbers prominently in applications that might need them.

Understand the National Emergency Response Framework

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) coordinates all emergency responses in Eswatini. The NDMA operates a centralized command center that receives calls and dispatches services. This integrated system ensures coordinated response between police, fire, and medical personnel across urban and rural areas. The NDMA provides multi-language support (siSwati and English) and uses GPS technology for efficient location tracking – crucial for timely responses. Understanding NDMA operations helps you design applications that interface effectively with this system.

Source: NDMA Eswatini Emergency Numbers

Short Code Services: Regulatory Overview

Short codes are abbreviated numbers for various services, from emergency contacts to value-added services. The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) regulates these services under the Electronic Communications (Numbering) Regulations, 2016 to ensure accessibility, quality, and consumer protection. ESCCOM assigns VAS short codes according to the National Numbering Plan.

Common VAS Short Codes in Eswatini:

• Banking services (mobile money, balance inquiries): *8888# (EEC Self Service), USSD codes starting with *800# (SBS Banking)
• Customer service (MTN, Eswatini Mobile): Network-specific codes for account management and self-service
• Information services: Weather, news, and entertainment through premium short codes
• Utility payments: Electricity token purchases via USSD codes (e.g., *8888# for EEC)
• Government services: Tax inquiries, emergency hotlines (e.g., 800 000 for ERS whistleblowing)

Source: ESCCOM National Numbering Plan; Electronic Communications (Numbering) Regulations, 2016

Key Regulatory Aspects for Developers

ESCCOM requires all short codes to be accessible across all networks and meet quality of service requirements defined in the Electronic Communications (Quality of Service) Regulations, 2016:

QoS Metrics for Short Code Services:

• Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Time: <15 seconds (duration of announcement before customer choice)
• Call Centre Operator Response: <30 seconds (wait time after selecting customer care option)
• SMS/MMS Delivery Success: >99% delivery rate
• SMS/MMS Delivery Time: <5 seconds from origination to destination
• Data Service Access Time: <5 seconds for connection establishment
• Service Availability: >99% uptime requirement

ESCCOM enforces strict guidelines on pricing transparency, consumer consent for premium services, and consumer protection. Violations result in formal notices with 14-day correction periods, followed by E20,000 per hour per district fines for non-compliance.

Source: Electronic Communications (Quality of Service) Regulations, 2016

Service Categories: Understand the Different Types

Eswatini organizes short codes into 3 main categories:

1. Emergency Services: The 3-digit numbers (999, 933, 977) with priority routing and zero-rated (free to call) access.

2. Value-Added Services (VAS): Codes that provide access to banking, information retrieval, and entertainment services. VAS providers must register with ESCCOM and follow strict guidelines for service registration, quality metrics, pricing transparency, and consumer protection.

3. Customer Service Lines: Codes that connect users to support services for network operators, government agencies, and businesses.

Toll-Free Services: Facilitate Free Communication

Toll-free numbers let users contact businesses or services without charges. In Eswatini, these numbers follow the format 0800 XXXX, where XXXX is a 4-digit unique identifier. Access these numbers nationally from mobile networks and fixed lines – the service provider bears the call cost. Real-time call statistics are typically available.

Acquiring Toll-Free Numbers: To obtain a toll-free number, apply directly to ESCCOM or through licensed telecommunications operators (MTN Eswatini or Eswatini Mobile). Provide business registration documentation and follow National Numbering Plan guidelines. ESCCOM allocates numbers on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to technical feasibility and regulatory approval. Banks (e.g., FNB: 800 6100), utilities (e.g., EEC: 800 9000), and government agencies (e.g., ERS: 800 000) commonly use these numbers.

Cost Considerations: Callers pay nothing, but service providers pay per-minute rates to the network operator. Costs range from E0.25 to E0.50 per minute depending on service plans and call volume agreements.

Source: ESCCOM National Numbering Plan; Connect-EZ Toll-Free Guide

Technical Implementation: Integrate Eswatini Numbers

This section provides practical guidance and code examples for integrating Eswatini phone numbers into your applications.

Integrate Emergency Services: Prioritize Critical Calls

Integrate emergency services with careful attention to call routing, validation, and location services.

1. Priority Routing: Emergency calls bypass standard routing and receive the highest priority.

// Example: Emergency Call Priority Handler with error handling
function handleEmergencyCall(number) {
    try {
        if (validateEswatiniEmergencyNumber(number)) {
            // Set high-priority flag
            call.setPriority('EMERGENCY');
            // Bypass normal call routing
            call.setDirectRoute(true);
            // Enable location services
            call.enableLocationTracking();
            return {
                success: true,
                callId: initiateEmergencyCall(number)
            };
        }
        return {
            success: false,
            error: 'Invalid emergency number'
        };
    } catch (error) {
        console.error('Emergency call handling failed:', error);
        return {
            success: false,
            error: error.message
        };
    }
}

This code prioritizes emergency calls by setting a high-priority flag and bypassing normal routing. Error handling and return values for successful and failed validations ensure your application responds appropriately to all scenarios.

2. Fail-Safe Validation: Robust validation ensures emergency calls are correctly identified, even with input format variations.

// Robust emergency number validation with fallback
function validateEswatiniEmergencyNumber(number) {
    const emergencyNumbers = ['999', '933', '977'];
    const sanitizedNumber = number.trim().replace(/\D/g, ''); // Remove non-digits

    // Primary validation: Exact match
    const isEmergency = emergencyNumbers.includes(sanitizedNumber);

    // Fallback validation: Handles prefixes or suffixes
    const fallbackValidation = emergencyNumbers.some(
        num => sanitizedNumber.endsWith(num) || sanitizedNumber.startsWith(num)
    );

    return isEmergency || fallbackValidation;
}

This validation function checks for exact matches and handles cases where the emergency number might be prefixed or suffixed with other digits, ensuring reliability in emergency situations.

3. Location Services Integration: Emergency responders need accurate location data.

// Location tracking for emergency calls
async function getEmergencyLocation() {
    try {
        const position = await navigator.geolocation.getCurrentPosition({
            enableHighAccuracy: true,
            timeout: 5000,
            maximumAge: 0
        });
        return {
            latitude: position.coords.latitude,
            longitude: position.coords.longitude,
            accuracy: position.coords.accuracy
        };
    } catch (error) {
        // Handle errors gracefully – log and attempt to get
        // a less accurate location or provide manual entry option.
        console.error("Error getting location:", error);
        return null; // Or a default location
    }
}

This code retrieves the user's location using the navigator.geolocation API. The try...catch block handles potential errors, such as denied location access. Implement error handling to ensure your application functions gracefully when location data is unavailable – for example, let users manually enter their location.

Best Practices for Emergency Services Implementation

Call Prioritization Implementation Details:

• Implement queue jumping for emergency calls with maximum priority levels (ESCCOM requires <10 second voice service access delay)
• Provide fallback routing options in case of network failures using redundant network paths
• Test priority routing monthly using test calls to verify <10 second connection times

Reliability Measures:

• Use redundant systems with automatic failover (target: <1 hour downtime for interconnect routes per ESCCOM QoS standards)
• Implement regular testing protocols (weekly test calls during off-peak hours)
• Monitor call success rates (target: >99% connection success)
• Ensure backup power and redundant network connections

Compliance Requirements:

• Conduct ESCCOM compliance audits quarterly to verify adherence to QoS parameters
• Document all emergency calls with timestamps, call duration, location data, and resolution outcomes
• Generate monthly system performance reports for ESCCOM submission
• Maintain records for minimum 24 months as required by Electronic Communications Act, 2013
• Monitor and report service degradation or outages exceeding 1 hour to ESCCOM and affected customers

Source: Electronic Communications (Quality of Service) Regulations, 2016

Eswatini's Telephone Numbering Plan: Technical Overview

Eswatini's telephone numbering plan follows the international E.164 phone number format standard, ensuring global interoperability. The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) oversees this plan through their official documentation (https://www.esccom.org.sz/). Use this resource to stay current on regulations and technical specifications.

Source: ITU-T E.164 Standard; ESCCOM National Numbering Plan

Understand Number Structure and Management

The numbering plan uses a structured format:

• Country Code: +268 (for international calls)
• National Significant Number (NSN): 8 digits

This structure, with an 8-digit NSN (effective 1 March 2010 for mobile numbers), optimizes for Eswatini's population size and ensures efficient allocation. Prior to 2010, subscriber numbers were extended by a digit with "2" prepended to fixed numbers and "7" prepended to mobile/GSM numbers.

Source: Telephone numbers in Eswatini - Wikipedia

Number Formats: Identify Different Number Types

Eswatini uses various number formats for different services:

Mobile Network Operators and Prefix Allocation: Eswatini has 2 mobile network providers: MTN Eswatini (formerly MTN Swaziland) and Eswatini Mobile (launched 28 July 2017, formerly Swazi Mobile). ITU documentation and ESCCOM allocate:

• 76: MTN Eswatini (GSM)
• 77: EPTC (CDMA) - primarily for fixed wireless services
• 78: MTN Eswatini (Mobile GSM)
• 79: Eswatini Mobile (Mobile GSM)

Network Coverage: Both operators provide extensive coverage with combined 2G coverage exceeding 99% population coverage, 3G at approximately 90%, and 4G/LTE at nearly 60% population coverage as of 2024. ESCCOM is implementing a phased retirement of 2G (by December 2028) and 3G (by December 2030) networks to modernize telecommunications infrastructure.

Source: Telephone numbers in Eswatini - Wikipedia; Eswatini Telecommunications - ITA

Monitoring Numbering Plan Changes: Stay informed about numbering plan updates through these channels:

• ESCCOM Official Website: https://www.esccom.org.sz/ (check Publications > Notices section)
• ESCCOM General Notices: Published in the Eswatini Government Gazette for major changes
• ESCCOM Social Media: Follow @ESCCOM_eswatini on X (Twitter) and Facebook for announcements
• ITU National Numbering Plans: https://www.itu.int/oth/T0202.aspx?country=748 (international reference)
• Operator Notifications: Subscribe to MTN Eswatini and Eswatini Mobile technical bulletins

Major changes require public consultation periods (typically 3–6 months) and parallel running periods (typically 3 months) before mandatory implementation, giving developers time to update validation logic.

Source: ESCCOM Annual Report 2019

Validate and Format Numbers: Implementation Best Practices

Handle Eswatini phone numbers with accurate validation.

// Enhanced validation function with international format support
function validateEswatiniPhoneNumber(number) {
    // Remove any whitespace or special characters
    let cleanNumber = number.replace(/[\s+-]/g, '');

    // Handle international format with country code
    if (cleanNumber.startsWith('268')) {
        cleanNumber = cleanNumber.substring(3);
    }

    // Define validation patterns with named constants
    const PATTERNS = {
        geographic: /^2\d{7}$/,
        mobile: /^7[6-9]\d{6}$/,
        tollFree: /^0800\d{4}$/,
        premium: /^900\d{6}$/
    };

    // Check against each pattern and return the type if valid
    for (const [type, pattern] of Object.entries(PATTERNS)) {
        if (pattern.test(cleanNumber)) {
            return {
                isValid: true,
                type: type,
                formatted: formatNumber(cleanNumber, type),
                international: `+268 ${formatNumber(cleanNumber, type)}`
            };
        }
    }

    return {
        isValid: false,
        error: 'Invalid number format'
    };
}

// Helper function to format numbers consistently based on type
function formatNumber(number, type) {
    switch (type) {
        case 'geographic':
            return number.replace(/(\d{4})(\d{4})/, '$1 $2');
        case 'mobile':
            return number.replace(/(\d{2})(\d{3})(\d{3})/, '$1 $2 $3');
        case 'tollFree':
            return number.replace(/(\d{4})(\d{4})/, '$1 $2');
        default:
            return number;
    }
}

// Example: Validate international format
function validateInternationalFormat(number) {
    const intlPattern = /^\+268\s?[27]\d{7}$/;
    return intlPattern.test(number.replace(/[\s-]/g, ' ').trim());
}

Note: The validation patterns reflect the current numbering plan as of March 2010. Geographic numbers start with "2" and total 8 digits. Mobile numbers start with 76, 77, 78, or 79 and total 8 digits. The enhanced validation handles international format with the +268 country code prefix.

Stay Up-to-Date: Regulatory Compliance and Technical Standards

ESCCOM enforces strict quality of service standards, number portability regulations, consumer protection, and technical compliance with international standards under the Electronic Communications Act, 2013.

Number Portability: ESCCOM developed a regulatory framework for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) outlined in their 2019 Annual Report. While finalizing implementation details, the framework will let subscribers switch operators while keeping their mobile numbers. The process typically requires:

• Porting Authorization Code (PAC) request from current operator
• Application to new operator with PAC
• Porting completion within specified timeframes (industry standard: 1-3 business days)
• Temporary service interruption during porting (typically 2-4 hours)

Design systems to handle number portability by avoiding operator assumptions based solely on prefix – numbers may be ported between MTN Eswatini and Eswatini Mobile.

Non-Compliance Penalties: Under the Electronic Communications (Quality of Service) Regulations, 2016, ESCCOM imposes the following sanctions:

• Initial Violation: Formal notice with 14-day correction period
• Persistent/Recurring Violations: E20,000 per hour per district fines for QoS breaches
• Accurate Charging Violations: E20,000 per hour per service after 4-hour correction window
• Service Provisioning Delays: E1,000 per day after 5-day deadline per customer
• License Violations: Up to E5 million or 10% annual revenue under general telecommunications regulations
• Data Protection Violations: Fines up to E300,000 under the Data Protection Act

Consult the official ESCCOM technical documentation (https://www.esccom.org.sz/) for current information. Stay informed about these regulations when working with Eswatini phone numbers.

Source: Electronic Communications (Quality of Service) Regulations, 2016; ESCCOM Annual Report 2019; Electronic Communications Act, 2013

Frequently Asked Questions About Eswatini Phone Numbers

What is the country code for Eswatini phone numbers?

The country code for Eswatini is +268. When dialing internationally, prefix any Eswatini phone number with +268 followed by the 8-digit national number. Eswatini's numbering plan follows the E.164 international phone format, ensuring global interoperability. Allocated in the late 1960s, +268 remains the code for all phone types including mobile, fixed-line, toll-free, and premium rate services.

What are the emergency numbers in Eswatini?

Eswatini uses 3 dedicated emergency numbers: 999 for Police, 933 for Fire Department, and 977 for Ambulance Services. All 3 numbers are toll-free, available 24/7, and accessible from any network (MTN Eswatini or Eswatini Mobile) without charges. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) coordinates emergency responses through a centralized command center with multi-language support in siSwati and English.

How do I validate Eswatini mobile phone numbers?

Validate Eswatini mobile numbers using the regex pattern ^7[6-9]\d{6}$ for the 8-digit national format. Mobile numbers start with 76, 77, 78, or 79, followed by 6 additional digits (total 8 digits). For international format validation, use ^(\+268|268)?7[6-9]\d{6}$ to accept optional +268 or 268 prefix. This format became effective on 1 March 2010 when mobile subscriber numbers were extended by a digit with "7" prepended to all mobile numbers. For comprehensive phone validation guidance, see our phone number lookup tools.

What mobile network operators serve Eswatini?

Eswatini has 2 licensed mobile network operators: MTN Eswatini (formerly MTN Swaziland) and Eswatini Mobile (launched 28 July 2017, formerly Swazi Mobile). MTN Eswatini operated as the sole provider until 2017 when Eswatini Mobile broke the monopoly. MTN uses prefixes 76 and 78, while Eswatini Mobile uses prefix 79. Prefix 77 is allocated to EPTC for CDMA/fixed wireless services. Both networks provide nationwide coverage with combined 2G coverage exceeding 99%, 3G at ~90%, and 4G/LTE at ~60% population coverage.

What is the format for Eswatini geographic (fixed-line) phone numbers?

Eswatini geographic numbers follow the pattern 2\d{7}, starting with "2" followed by 7 additional digits (total 8 digits). Example: 22221234. For international dialing, use +268 22221234. The regex validation pattern is ^2\d{7}$ for national format. Geographic numbers were extended by a digit in 2010 with "2" prepended to all fixed-line numbers as part of the national numbering plan expansion coordinated by ESCCOM.

How do Eswatini toll-free numbers work?

Eswatini toll-free numbers follow the format 0800 XXXX, where XXXX is a 4-digit unique identifier (example: 0800 1234). Access these numbers nationally from mobile networks and fixed lines – the service provider bears the call cost, not the caller. The regex pattern for validation is ^0800\d{4}$. Toll-free services typically provide real-time call statistics and are commonly used by businesses, government agencies, and customer service operations to enhance accessibility.

How do I call Eswatini from the USA?

To call Eswatini from the USA, dial 011 (US exit code), then 268 (Eswatini country code), followed by the 8-digit local number. For example, to call mobile number 76123456, dial 011-268-76123456. For geographic numbers starting with 2, dial 011-268-2XXXXXXX. You can also use the + format on mobile phones: +268-76123456. The complete international dialing sequence is: 011 + 268 + local number (8 digits).

When did Eswatini change its phone numbering plan?

Eswatini's most significant numbering plan change occurred on 1 March 2010 when subscriber numbers were extended by a digit. Mobile numbers received "7" as a prefix (creating the current 8-digit format starting with 7), while fixed-line numbers received "2" as a prefix. This expansion accommodated telecommunications growth and ensured sufficient number allocation for Eswatini's population. ESCCOM coordinated the change and required all operators to update their systems.

What is ESCCOM and what role does it play in Eswatini telecommunications?

ESCCOM (Eswatini Communications Commission) is the regulatory body that oversees all telecommunications services in Eswatini, including phone numbering, spectrum allocation, broadcasting, and postal services. Established under the Swaziland Communications Commission Act No. 10 of 2013, ESCCOM manages the National Numbering Plan, enforces quality of service standards, regulates number portability, and ensures consumer protection. Comply with ESCCOM regulations when working with Eswatini phone numbers.

How do I format Eswatini phone numbers for display?

Format Eswatini phone numbers by type for optimal readability: Mobile numbers: 76 123 456 (2-3-3 grouping), Geographic numbers: 2222 1234 (4-4 grouping), Toll-free: 0800 1234 (4-4 grouping), International format: +268 76 123 456. Use spaces instead of hyphens or dots for consistency with international standards. The E.164 phone format recommends prefixing with "+" for country code and using only spaces for digit grouping, avoiding parentheses or other separators.

What are premium rate numbers in Eswatini and how are they identified?

Eswatini premium rate numbers follow the format 900\d{6} (example: 900123456), starting with "900" followed by 6 digits (total 9 digits). These numbers charge callers higher rates than standard calls. Premium rates range from E0.45 to E0.50 per minute for mobile callers, varying by service type and time (peak vs. off-peak). Revenue is shared between the network operator and service provider. Premium rate services must register with ESCCOM and comply with pricing transparency regulations, including mandatory caller notification of charges before connection. The regex validation pattern is ^900\d{6}$. Common uses include entertainment services, voting lines, and information services with per-minute or per-call charges. Consumer protection requires clear pricing disclosure and opt-in consent.

Source: ESCCOM Tariff Documents

Related Resources

For working with phone numbers from other regions, explore these guides:

• South Africa phone numbers (+27) - Neighboring country with similar ITU standards
• E.164 phone number format - International standard for phone numbers
• Phone number lookup tools - Validate and verify phone numbers globally