BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI – As artificial intelligence reshapes economies and redefines work across the globe, Eswatini must move with urgency to equip its citizens with digital skills or risk being left behind, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Savannah Maziya has warned.
The Minister was speaking at the Eswatini National Media Awards, held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Royal Villas in Ezulwini, where she called on the media to partner with government in preparing the nation for jobs that do not yet exist.
She said digitisation and AI were no longer distant concepts but realities already transforming how countries compete, create jobs and generate wealth. According to the Minister, the key challenge for Eswatini is ensuring it becomes an active participant in the digital economy rather than a passive consumer.
Central to this effort, she said, is government’s ambitious plan to have 300 000 emaSwati complete free, internationally recognised courses in coding, artificial intelligence and cyber security. The initiative is intended to open doors to global opportunities, particularly for young people.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening STEM education, especially in rural and underserved communities, noting that access to technology and learning tools must be expanded if the country is to build a future-ready workforce.
Reflecting on her Ministry’s performance, she highlighted milestones achieved during the year, including the rollout of the Government in Your Hand (GIYH) platform, improved national connectivity through expanded microwave infrastructure, increased bandwidth and the introduction of key ICT legislation. She noted that Parliament had recognised the Ministry as the best-performing government ministry administratively.
Looking ahead to 2026, she said the focus would shift to deepening digital infrastructure, expanding online services, supporting local start-ups and forming partnerships with reputable local and international firms. She said these efforts position Eswatini to become a regional digital service hub.
Beyond technology, the Minister addressed social challenges such as unemployment, poverty and gender-based violence, stressing that economic progress must be accompanied by ethical leadership and social responsibility.
She concluded by urging unity between government and the media, describing both as custodians with a shared duty to leave future generations a strong, inclusive and corruption-free country.
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