Eswatini and South Africa have formalised plans to deepen their digital collaboration through a new strategic partnership focused on accelerating digital transformation in the region.
Following a high-level meeting in Pretoria, Eswatini’s Minister of ICT, Hon. Savannah Maziya, and South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi, signed a Declaration of Intent to align their efforts in shaping a stronger digital economy.
The agreement outlines joint cooperation across several critical areas including ICT policy alignment, broadband rollout, Artificial Intelligence, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, cybersecurity, e-Government services, and digital skills development.
Both ministers highlighted the importance of a coordinated regional approach to ensure Africa’s voice is heard globally in conversations around digital governance and cybersecurity. The Declaration is expected to lead to a full Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The collaboration will prioritise:
- Aligning ICT regulations, laws, and policies
- Conducting joint research in AI and emerging digital technologies
- Expanding broadband infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas
- Strengthening data protection and cybersecurity systems
- Promoting digital education, with a particular focus on young people and women
- Supporting media, content creation, and broadcasting initiatives
- Improving public services through e-Government platforms
The ministers also explored ways to modernise postal systems to help drive e-commerce, improve financial access, and enhance regional connectivity.
Technical teams from both governments will now work on a shared implementation roadmap to put the agreement into action.
The partnership marks a significant moment for Eswatini as it positions itself as a proactive digital player in Southern Africa, with both nations committing to a future of inclusive and innovation-driven development.
