Eswatini and South Africa have made a considerable advancement in their digital collaboration following a high-level bilateral meeting between Eswatini’s Minister of ICT, Hon. Savannah Maziya, and South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi.
The meeting, held in Pretoria, led to the signing of a Declaration of Intent aimed at harmonising efforts across critical areas of the digital economy. This agreement focuses on strategic cooperation in key sectors, including ICT policy alignment, broadband expansion, artificial intelligence (AI) and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, cybersecurity, e-government, and the development of digital skills.
Both ministers emphasised the need for a cohesive regional approach to strengthen Africa’s standing in the global digital arena, particularly in terms of cybersecurity and governance. This Declaration serves as a foundation for a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The partnership will concentrate on several key areas, including:
- The harmonisation of ICT policies, regulations, and legislation
- Collaborative research and innovation in AI and emerging technologies
- Expanding broadband access in underserved areas
- Establishing robust cybersecurity and data protection measures
- Promoting digital literacy, especially among youth and women
- Fostering cooperation in media, content creation, and broadcasting
- Enhancing e-Government services to improve public sector efficiency
Additionally, the ministers addressed the modernisation of postal services to facilitate e-commerce, promote financial inclusion, and enhance regional integration.
Technical teams from both ministries are set to develop a joint implementation roadmap to put this agreement into action.
This initiative highlights Eswatini’s evolving role as a proactive digital player in the region. It underscores a shared commitment to fostering inclusive, secure, and innovation-driven digital growth throughout Southern Africa.
