By Lindani Maseko
In a move signaling Eswatini’s commitment to technological leadership, the Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya has called for the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country.
The Minister said this will help protect emaSwati but also create opportunities for them. The Minister disclosed this during the inaugural National Communications Forum, held at Happy Valley Hotel.
Under the theme “A dialogue on Industry Growth, Innovation, Regulation, and Consumer Protection,” the Forum, organized by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), brought together key stakeholders from the telecommunications, broadcasting, postal, and courier sectors.
The Minister, however, stressed that regulating AI, should not be misconstrued to say that the government is fighting AI and other related technologies.
“The world is already altered. We have to look at innovation and consumer protection as part of our daily lives. The new saying is ‘innovate or die.’ We must not be afraid of it; we must embrace it, design and own it,” said the minister.
She further outlined plans to leverage eased export controls, engage in spacecraft operations to enhance space domain awareness, secure valuable satellite spectrum through ownership and collaborative sharing, and shape international space law, prioritizing exploration, safety, and environmental protection.
Recognizing the transformative power of AI, she emphasized the need for robust regulations that guide its integration into all aspects of society.
The Forum, mandated by the ESCCOM Act of 2013, serves as a vital platform for stakeholder engagement. Discussions focused on public-private collaboration, industry performance, affordability, accessibility, and consumer protection.
MTN Eswatini CEO, Wandile Mtshali echoed the Ministers remarks, stating that ESCCOM must come up with a framework of how AI and other related technologies will operate in the country.