BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI- Eswatini and Lesotho are stepping up regional cooperation to strengthen cybersecurity and protect citizens, businesses and institutions from growing digital threats following a landmark agreement between their communications regulators.
The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) and the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 3, 2026, establishing a framework for the two countries to share expertise, information and resources in responding to emerging challenges in the communications and digital sectors.
The agreement was signed by ESCCOM Acting Chief Executive Officer Ozzie Thakatha and LCA Chief Executive Officer Nizam Goolam, with executive team members from both regulatory authorities attending the signing ceremony.
Cybersecurity is among the priority areas identified under the agreement, with the two regulators set to strengthen cooperation through the sharing of best practices, coordinated incident response, cybersecurity awareness initiatives, training, audits and education programmes.
The move comes as digital technology becomes increasingly important to everyday life, business and public services, making the protection of communications systems and users an increasingly important responsibility for regulators.
For citizens and businesses in both kingdoms, stronger cooperation between regulators could support a safer digital environment by improving preparedness and enabling authorities to learn from each other’s experiences when dealing with cybersecurity incidents and other emerging threats.
The MOU provides for the exchange of information and resources, joint research and analysis, human capital development, collaboration on publications and studies, as well as regular consultations on matters of mutual interest.
These areas of cooperation are expected to strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of both regulators, while creating opportunities for officials to exchange knowledge and develop solutions to common regulatory challenges.
Thakatha said the agreement provides a framework through which ESCCOM and LCA can work together in advancing their respective mandates and responding to developments in the communications sector.
The partnership also creates room for mutual learning as the two authorities navigate a communications environment that is rapidly being transformed by digital technologies.
Beyond cybersecurity, the cooperation is expected to contribute to stronger regulation and innovation across the wider communications sector.
Both regulators will be able to draw on shared research, technical knowledge and institutional experience when considering emerging issues affecting telecommunications, broadcasting, postal services and related areas.
The agreement is particularly significant because many digital challenges do not stop at national borders. Cybersecurity incidents, technological developments and digital services can have regional implications, making cooperation between neighbouring regulators increasingly important.
Through regular engagement, ESCCOM and LCA will have an avenue to exchange information on emerging risks and identify areas where joint action, training or capacity development may be required.
The partnership is also expected to support consumer protection by strengthening the regulatory environment in which communications services are provided.
As citizens increasingly rely on mobile communications, internet services and other digital platforms for work, business, education and access to information, ensuring that these services operate within a secure and reliable environment remains critical.
The LCA is responsible for regulating Lesotho’s communications sector, including telecommunications, broadcasting, postal and related services in the public interest. ESCCOM performs a similar regulatory role in Eswatini’s communications sector.
The agreement therefore strengthens institutional ties between the two neighbouring kingdoms while creating a practical platform for cooperation on issues affecting the region’s increasingly connected digital economy.
It further demonstrates a shared commitment to building regulatory institutions capable of keeping pace with technological change while ensuring that digital transformation is accompanied by stronger security measures and protection for users.
For Eswatini and Lesotho, the partnership marks a move towards deeper collaboration in preparing for the opportunities and risks created by the digital age.
As communications technologies continue to evolve, the two regulators are expected to use the MOU as a foundation for sustained cooperation, knowledge exchange and coordinated efforts to build a safer, more resilient and secure digital environment for citizens, businesses and other stakeholders.
(Courtesy Pic)
