MBABANE – In a significant move to accelerate its digital transformation, the Kingdom of Eswatini has formally partnered with South Africa to bolster collaboration across key areas of the digital economy.
Minister for Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, met with her South African counterpart, Solly Malatsi, Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies, in Pretoria on June 20, 2025, for high-level bilateral discussions.
The two ministers jointly signed a Declaration of Intent, signalling a strong commitment to work together on crucial aspects of the digital landscape.
This includes harmonising ICT policy, regulation and legislation, fostering joint research and innovation in AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, and expanding broadband access to underserved communities.
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The partnership will also focus on strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and data protection, advancing digital skills and ensuring the inclusive participation of youth and women and sharing expertise in media, content creation and broadcasting.
Furthermore, efforts will be made to enhance e-Government systems to facilitate more efficient public service delivery. A central theme of the discussions was the commitment to a unified approach to cybersecurity and digital governance, with both nations aiming to shape Africa’s discourse and voice on the global digital agenda.
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This strategic partnership is designed to fast-track impactful outcomes that support inclusive, secure and innovation-driven digital economies for both countries. The declaration will also serve as a foundation for the finalisation of a more comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Eswatini and South Africa.
Beyond these points, the ministers also explored the digital transformation of postal services, recognising their potential to support e-commerce, financial inclusion and regional economic integration.
Following this productive bilateral meeting, technical teams from both ministries are set to develop a joint implementation roadmap.
This renewed cooperation marks a decisive step towards building future-ready, resilient digital societies.
It also strongly reiterates the Kingdom of Eswatini’s intention to position itself as a proactive regional partner in Africa’s digital advancement.
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