By Phesheya Ian Kunene
PRETORIA – Eswatini has entered a strategic digital partnership with South Africa to boost innovation, connectivity, and skills development across both nations.
This follows a high-level bilateral engagement between Eswatini’s Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Savannah Maziya, and South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, held in Pretoria on June 20, 2025.
The two ministers signed a Declaration of Intent to collaborate on key areas of the digital economy including ICT policy harmonisation, broadband infrastructure rollout, digital skills development, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the advancement of e-Government services.
According to Principal Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Siboniso Dlamini, the agreement underscores Eswatini’s commitment to building a digitally empowered society.
“This partnership will support the Kingdom’s ambition to become a competitive and inclusive digital economy, while learning from South Africa’s more advanced ICT infrastructure,” he said.
The Declaration also sets the stage for the finalisation of a broader Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries. Both parties emphasised the importance of a unified regional voice in shaping Africa’s digital agenda on the global stage, especially around data protection, digital governance, and secure online spaces.
The partnership will see joint research in emerging technologies, cooperation in media and broadcasting, and a renewed focus on bringing connectivity to underserved communities.
The ministers further explored modernising postal services to support e-commerce, improve financial inclusion, and enhance regional economic integration.
Technical teams from both countries have been tasked with developing an implementation roadmap to guide the rollout of this cooperation. The initiative is expected to stimulate innovation, foster inclusion for youth and women, and drive more efficient public service delivery through digital platforms.
“This renewed cooperation marks a decisive step towards building future-ready, resilient digital societies,” said Dlamini, adding that Eswatini remains committed to becoming a proactive partner in Africa’s digital transformation.
(Courtesy Pics)
