The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has appealed for increased national budget allocation towards cybersecurity, warning that the country’s growing exposure to digital threats demands urgent and sustained investment.
Speaking during the official launch of the Eswatini Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025, held on Monday, 6 October, ESCCOM Chief Executive, Mvilawemphi Dlamini, said cybersecurity should be viewed as a national development and security priority, not merely an information technology issue.
“Cybersecurity requires sustained investment, skilled personnel, robust infrastructure, and continuous public engagement,” Dlamini emphasised. “If we are to protect our people and preserve the gains of digital transformation, cybersecurity must be resourced accordingly. This is not just a technology issue; it is about protecting livelihoods, national stability, and the future of our children.”
The Chief Executive’s remarks come at a time when Eswatini is accelerating its transition into a digital economy, with public and private sectors increasingly relying on online systems for service delivery, communication, and commerce. Dlamini, however, cautioned that this progress has also made the country a target for cybercriminals.
He cited a recent case reported in local media where an elderly woman lost over E250,000 in life savings after falling victim to an online scam promising lucrative investment returns.
“This tragic incident is more than just a cautionary tale; it is a stark reminder that cybercrime is real, it is here, and it affects all of us,” he said.
Since the enactment of the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022, ESCCOM has been appointed as the National Cybersecurity Agency, responsible for coordinating and enforcing measures to protect the country’s digital infrastructure.
Despite limited resources, the Commission has rolled out several initiatives aimed at building a safer digital environment. These include:
• Nationwide digital literacy and awareness campaigns, targeting youth and vulnerable groups.
• Partnerships with UNESCO to combat cyberbullying and online exploitation in schools, ensuring that children, our most precious and vulnerable digital citizens, are not left behind.
• Capacity-building for the justice sector, training magistrates, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers on cybercrime investigation and prosecution.
“These initiatives are laying the groundwork for a digitally responsible and resilient society,” Dlamini said. “While we have made commendable progress, the truth remains: our efforts are constrained. We face a mounting national security challenge without dedicated budgetary support.”
This year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month launch featured a panel discussion themed “Building a Cyber Resilient Nation: A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Securing Digital Transformation.” Dlamini said the theme reflects the understanding that cybersecurity cannot be achieved by one institution alone.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue,” he urged. “It is a national development priority, a public safety concern, and a shared responsibility. Governments, businesses, academia, civil society, communities—and every Liswati—must work together to secure our digital space.”