BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – Principal Secretary of Information, Communications and Technology Phesheya Dube said the government must prioritize internet accessibility for all citizens in the country.
While speaking through his representative, Macantjana Motsa, the PS said to ensure that the country’s digital future is truly inclusive, they needed to make sure that all citizens had an access to the internet, regardless of their socio-economic background, gender, age, or location.
“Our Mbabane Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is a testament to our commitment to localizing internet traffic and improving connectivity. By encouraging all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and operators to connect to the IXP, we can significantly reduce latency, enhance network performance, and strengthen our digital infrastructure,” Dube said.
The PS shared these sentiments during the fourth edition of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) hosted by the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology in collaboration with Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) under the theme “Building our Multi-stakeholder Digital Future”. The event was held at SibaneSami hotel in Ezulwini.
The forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, technical experts, civil society organizations, and community members, all united by a common goal: creating a better, more inclusive digital future for Eswatini and the world.
Moreover, Dube also mentioned that it was vital that they also prioritized cybersecurity.
“In addition to fostering a robust digital ecosystem, we must also prioritize cybersecurity. Protecting our digital assets is paramount to safeguarding our national security, economic prosperity, and public trust. By working closely with international partners, industry stakeholders, and civil society, we can strengthen our cyber defenses and mitigate emerging threats,” he explained.
He further noted that in order to empower the citizens in the digital age, they needed to invest in digital literacy programs.
In his speech the ESCCOM Chief Executive Officer Mvilawemphi Dlamini highlighted on the importance of a stable, secure, and open Internet is vital for fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and improving the quality of life for our people.
“At the Eswatini Communications Commission, we firmly advocate for a multi-stakeholder approach to Internet governance. We believe that all stakeholders have a valuable contribution to make, and that their voices must be heard in the governance discussions and decisions that shape our digital world. This inclusive approach ensures that no one group dominates the conversation, but instead, it creates space for diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences to inform policy and practice,” Dlamini said.
He added that theme for this year’s Internet Governance Forum underscored a central principle of Internet governance: community-based decision-making.
“This approach allows us to collectively define policy and technical standards, as well as guide the management of the Internet. Importantly, it means that no one stakeholder group has a stronger voice than another. Rather than working in isolation, we must seek to embrace the breadth of expertise that exists across sectors and communities. It is through this collaborative spirit that we can create an Internet that serves the needs and interests of all,” He stated.
He also noted that a multi-stakeholder approach was also essential in addressing emerging online harms, safeguarding the rights of users, and ensuring that the full potential of the digital world is harnessed for the social and economic benefit of all.
He further stated that for this to happen, the protection of the underlying technical infrastructure that makes the Internet possible must be prioritised. Everyone has a part to play in this.
The Eswatini Internet Governance Forum continues to be a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration. By fostering open discussions and knowledge-sharing, the forum aims to shape the future of the Internet in Eswatini and contribute to a global digital landscape that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
