The Minister of Information Communications and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, has called on G20 nations to move from merely including women in the digital economy to empowering them as leaders in technology and innovation.
Delivering a commanding keynote at the launch of the G20 Empower Alliance South Africa, held in Johannesburg under the theme “UHURU: Women Building Sustainable Income and Financial Independence,” Minister Maziya challenged global leaders to invest boldly in digital skills, leadership training, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education for women and girls—especially across Africa.
“Women must be intentionally supported to enter and lead in technology-driven sectors. It’s time to shift from inclusion to influence—where women not only participate but shape policy, business, and innovation ecosystems,” she asserted.
The G20 Empower Alliance is one of the formal Engagement Groups established under the G20 platform, an international forum for the governments and central bank governors of 19 countries and the European Union.
It includes global powers such as the United States, Brazil, Japan, Germany, India, China, and the United Kingdom. South Africa holds the G20 presidency in 2025, with Brazil having hosted in 2024 and the United States set to host in 2026.
These Engagement Groups feed into the main G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025, where consolidated recommendations from thematic events will be presented.
Eswatini was the only African nation represented at the event besides host country South Africa, which holds the G20 presidency in 2025. The gathering attracted representatives from 23 countries, including Heads of State, Ministers, and private sector leaders.
Minister Maziya underscored the pivotal role of ICT in breaking traditional barriers, advancing women’s financial independence, and unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurship.
“ICT is not only a tool but a gateway to financial inclusion, education, and entrepreneurship for women. If we are to truly achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth, we must equip our girls and women with the digital tools and skills of the future,” she said.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in enhancing digital literacy, innovation skills, and technology-based leadership training for women and youth.
“As we unlock opportunities through the G20 Empower Alliance, let us ensure that no woman or girl is left behind. The African continent must be bold in leveraging innovation and partnerships to accelerate change,” she emphasized.
The Empower Alliance, chaired this year by Nhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube, an Independent Non-Executive Board Member at ABSA, focuses on accelerating women’s inclusion in the private sector through targeted, scalable strategies. It also features the G20 Empower Best Practice Book, a Global Advocates Network, and platforms for knowledge exchange across G20 nations and beyond.
This year’s launch marks a significant step towards integrating African voices into global platforms, with Eswatini playing an increasingly active role in advancing women’s financial empowerment, digital inclusion, and sustainable development.