MBABANE – Eswatini’s Minister of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, recently met with private sector representatives from Business Eswatini to discuss the country’s ICT Strategic Focus for 2025/26.
The meeting spotlighted the crucial role the private sector plays in advancing Eswatini’s digital transformation. Minister Maziya called for collaboration to turn digital initiatives into commercial opportunities and ensure that all segments of society benefit from technological growth.
Among the achievements shared was the development of digital services infrastructure and partnerships with global tech leaders like Google, Amazon, Serbia, and the UAE. These collaborations aim to bring advanced technologies and training opportunities to Eswatini, including the Google Learning Academies, which will provide free global exposure to children in the country.
A significant development was the introduction of a Digital ID system, which consolidates national IDs, driver’s licenses, and other documents into one secure digital platform. Enhanced with biometric security, this system will improve cybersecurity and streamline access to government services.
The Minister also discussed upcoming milestones, such as transforming Mbabane into a smart city by 2025, a project aimed at using technology to enhance urban life and governance. Additionally, the government plans to extend the fiber optic network across the country, providing high-speed internet access to more areas.
With Eswatini’s cybersecurity readiness scoring 84, the government plans to reinforce this area with targeted training and awareness campaigns.