Ezulwini- The Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya has underscored the critical importance, cybersecurity, and national digital identity in shaping then future of the internet in Eswatini.
The Minister was addressing stakeholders within the cyberspace through the voice of the Under Secretary at the Ministry of ICT Macanjana Motsa at Sibane Sami Hotel during the opening ceremony of the Fifth Iteration of the Internet Governance Forum.
In her keynote address, Maziya emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to ensure a secure and inclusive digital environment for all citizens.
The forum which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society, served as a platform for discussing the future of internet governance in the context of rapid technological advancements.
Making her remarks, the Senator highlighted the transformative power of the intern et as a cornerstone of socio-economic development
“Our collective efforts here will undoubtedly chart the course for a more inclusive, secure, and innovative cyberspace for our nation,” she noted, reflecting on the significant strides made in bridging the divide.
However, she also acknowledged the new challenges that have emerged, urging participants to prioritize accessibility for all citizens, irrespective of socio-economic status, gender, age, or location.
Central to her vision was the Mbabane Internet Exchange Point (IXP), which she described as a testament to the nation’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and localizing internet traffic. By encouraging Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to connect to the IXP, Maziya emphasized the potential benefits of reduced latency and improved and improved network performance, strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Echoing the Minister’s remarks, the Chief Executive of Eswatini Communications Commission Mvilawemphi Dlamini emphasized that no single stakeholder group should dominate the conversation, advocating instead for a collaborative approach that embraces diverse perspectives and expertise.
“The wellbeing of Eswatini’s society and economy is inextricably linked to the resilience of the global internet,” he noted, stressing that a stable and secure internet is crucial for innovation and economic growth.
He further called upon all sectors; government, business, civil society, and technical community to work together to address the challenges of digital governance and internet policy.
The CE concluded by reaffirming ESCCOM’s commitment to collaboration and shared responsibility in building a digital future that works for everyone.
“Together we can overcome the challenges of the digital age and create an internet that serves the needs and interests of all,” he declared.
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