The Minister of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, has urged for deeper cooperation between Africa and India to speed up the continent’s digital transformation.
She made her remarks at the 20th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Africa-India Business Conclave, held in New Delhi, India, from August 27–29, 2025, under the theme “Co-Creating a Shared Future.”
The event brought together government leaders, business executives, policymakers, and innovators from across Africa and India to explore new avenues for trade, investment, and technology cooperation. Minister Maziya participated in a prominent panel on “Accelerating Africa’s Digital Future through Innovation and R&D,” where discussions focused on bridging the digital divide, building inclusive digital economies, and adapting India’s successful digital public infrastructure models, such as Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), for Africa.
In her address, Minister Maziya highlighted Eswatini’s flagship National Digitalization Programme, Government in Your Hand, which provides citizens with seamless access to government services via mobile devices, online platforms, and digital kiosks.
“In Eswatini, digital transformation is a people-centric approach. It involves bringing government closer to the people, creating opportunities for youth, improving healthcare systems, supporting farmers with data, and empowering our population to fully participate in the digital economy,” she explained.
Maziya further emphasized Africa’s youthful demographic as a significant force for innovation and growth.
“Africa is home to one of the youngest populations worldwide, with over 60% under the age of 25. Through innovation, research, and development, our youth can propel Africa’s transformation, turning ideas into businesses and challenges into opportunities,” she stated.
Maziya called for strengthened Africa-India collaboration, highlighting mutual benefits in areas such as increasing trade and investment in digital industries, expanding innovation ecosystems, leveraging India’s incubators and accelerators, enhancing digital skills, and advancing research partnerships.
“India offers experience, infrastructure, and technological insight. Africa contributes youthful energy, creativity, and untapped markets. Together, we can accelerate a digital future that elevates millions and boosts our economies,” she affirmed.
In recognition of her visionary leadership in digital transformation, Maziya also received a special award at the Conclave.
She concluded her speech by emphasizing the importance of Africa shaping its own digital destiny.
“Africa must be the architect of her own digital future and success. She must design the future she envisions, rather than have it dictated to her. We, in Eswatini, stand ready to collaborate with all African nations and our partner, India, to realize this ambition.”
Apart from the panel, Minister Maziya participated in a high-level roundtable on services with senior Indian officials, African ministers, and business leaders. The discussion focused on expanding digital services—from financial inclusion to e-governance and innovation ecosystems—through India-Africa cooperation to unlock new growth opportunities.
The Minister expressed her appreciation to the Government of India and the event organizers for their invitation and recognition, noting that such platforms create opportunities for Africa to co-develop solutions that improve lives and unlock the continent’s vast potential.