By Mfanufikile Khathwane
LOBAMBA – Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Senator Savannah Maziya, has told Senators that the country is actively pursuing multiple pathways to ensure local content creators can earn from global digital platforms. She highlighted ongoing engagements with international tech firms, the development of the Eswatini Content Hub in partnership with MTN, and a broader push to position 2026 as a year of digital commercialisation.
The Minister assured that there is full transparency surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between government and international technology partners, including Google. She said the agreement will be made available for scrutiny and that the Ministry is ready to conduct workshops to unpack its contents.
Speaking during the Portfolio Committee Budget Debate on March 26, 2026, Maziya explained that the MoU is part of a broader strategy to fast-track Eswatini’s digital transformation, strengthen skills through international mentorship, and ensure inclusivity for emaSwati in the global digital economy.
She noted that while global platforms often consider population size when rolling out monetisation systems, Eswatini is taking a proactive approach. Government is engaging directly with platforms while also exploring a SADC-based approach to enhance bargaining power and unlock more opportunities for local creators.
Maziya emphasised that partnerships with global companies are critical in exposing emaSwati youth to international standards and industry practices. She said such collaboration demonstrates the country’s readiness to grow and compete globally.
“We need to agree on what we want to become as a country and ensure that we strike a balance between local and international development,” she said.
She further highlighted Eswatini’s continued collaboration with international partners such as the United States of America and Taiwan, noting that these relationships are key in advancing the country’s digital agenda.
Meanwhile, government is rolling out infrastructure projects, including the Smart City expansion to Manzini and Matsapha in partnership with Taiwan and International Integrated Systems Inc. (IISI), which will introduce 5G and AI technologies to improve service delivery.
Maziya said these initiatives are aimed at positioning Eswatini as a competitive digital economy while creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
“Youth unemployment is high, and digital platforms present real opportunities. We must ensure our young people are not left behind,” she said.
She added that collaboration and innovation will remain central to unlocking sustainable digital income streams for emaSwati.
