The Minister of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, has called on the private sector to play a leading role in driving Eswatini’s digital transformation, emphasizing the critical role of the private sector in driving Eswatini’s digital transformation, and calling for collaboration to commercialize digital initiatives and ensure inclusive growth.
This was at a recent high-level engagement where the Minister met with Private Sector stakeholders at Business Eswatini (BE) to present the ICT Strategic Focus for 2025/26. The meeting highlighted key achievements, including the establishment of digital services infrastructure and partnerships with global tech giants like Google, Amazon, Serbia, and the UAE.
These partnerships are expected to bring advanced technology and training opportunities to Eswatini, particularly through initiatives such as the Google Learning Academies, which offer global exposure to Emaswati children at no cost.
One of the most significant developments is the introduction of a Digital ID system, which will consolidate national IDs, driver’s licenses, and other documents into a secure digital platform. This system, enhanced with biometrics, will improve cybersecurity and streamline access to government services.
The Minister outlined several milestones for the coming years, including but not limited to:
Smart Mbabane City: The capital city will transform into a smart city, leveraging technology to enhance urban living and governance.
Fiber Optic Expansion: The government plans to extend the fiber optic network to cover most of the country, ensuring high-speed internet access nationwide.
Cybersecurity: With Eswatini scoring 84 on cybersecurity readiness, the government is committed to further strengthening this area through training and awareness programmes.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of capital investments, partnerships, and youth support programmes, such as internships and incubation initiatives, to build a thriving digital ecosystem. The Minister called for strong private-sector collaboration, stating, “It would be great to have a partnership with the private sector and leverage resources because all of us stand to benefit greatly from the success of this strategy.”
She further highlighted the need for local partnerships to ensure the sustainability of ICT initiatives, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and the commercialization of digital services.
Members of the private sector praised the Minister’s innovative plans, particularly the Government in Your Hand (GIYH) initiative, which aims to make government services more accessible through digital platforms.
They also raised concerns about internet speed, Wi-Fi access in rural schools, and copper theft, which could hinder digital infrastructure rollout. They went on to urge greater investment in primary and high schools to nurture digital skills early.
In response, the Minister acknowledged these concerns, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing them through partnerships. On internet speed and power supply, the Minister assured stakeholders that improvements are underway, with plans to increase bandwidth and ensure reliable power for digital infrastructure.
The meeting concluded with a call for the private sector to join the government in driving Eswatini’s digital transformation. By working together, Eswatini can become a hub of digital innovation, creating opportunities for businesses, empowering the youth, and improving citizens’ lives.
“Local partnerships will ensure that such initiatives and projects are sustainable,” Maziya concluded.