Eswatini and South Africa have signed a Declaration of Intent to collaborate on broadband expansion, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital skills development, marking a significant step toward accelerating regional digital transformation.
The agreement was formalised on 20 June 2025, during a high-level bilateral engagement in Pretoria between Eswatini’s Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Savannah Maziya, and South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi.
According to a press release from Eswatini’s Ministry of ICT, the Declaration of Intent will guide the development of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The goal is to fast-track practical outcomes that support inclusive, secure, and innovation-driven digital economies.
The ministers committed to a unified regional approach to cybersecurity and digital governance, underscoring the importance of shaping Africa’s voice in global digital policy.
The partnership will also enhance digital cooperation across several priority areas, including:
• Harmonising ICT policy, regulation, and legislation
• Joint research and innovation in AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies
• Expanding broadband access to underserved and rural communities
• Strengthening cybersecurity and data protection frameworks
• Promoting digital skills development, with a focus on youth and women
• Exchanging expertise in media, broadcasting, and content creation
• Enhancing e-Government systems to improve public service delivery
The Ministers also discussed the digital transformation of postal services to support e-commerce, boost financial inclusion, and strengthen regional economic integration.
To ensure implementation, technical teams from both Ministries will develop a joint roadmap that outlines deliverables, timelines, and resource coordination.
This renewed cooperation marks a decisive step towards building future-ready, resilient digital societies and reiterates the Kingdom of Eswatini’s intention to position itself as a proactive regional partner in Africa’s digital advancement.