Mbabane – Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, has called for deeper collaboration between government, the private sector and communities to accelerate Eswatini’s transition into a fully digital economy.
Speaking during the MTN Y’ello Partners appreciation ceremony held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Maziya commended MTN Eswatini for its continued investment in digital transformation and its partnerships with various public and private institutions.
The minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to promote e-commerce, digital payments and online safety under the African Continental Free Trade Area’s digital trade protocol. She said the Ministry of ICT was working closely with other ministries to build systems that support online transactions, logistics.
“We want to ensure that Emaswati can buy, sell and trade confidently in a secure digital environment. That means building trust, skilling our small businesses and developing platforms that serve our people,” said Maziya.
MTN Eswatini also presented We Care partnership awards to organisations that have supported its social and digital development programmes. These included the Ministry of ICT, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, EIPA, NAMBoard, Standard Bank, Oracle Group, Destiny Group, A Peculiar People, Times of Eswatini, Eswatini Observer, Thirst Projects, Nando’s, UNESWA AI Academy, SC Zondi Attorneys, and Malkerns Country Club.
Speaking on behalf of the partners, Melusi Dlamini of A Peculiar People praised MTN for championing collaboration that empowers local entrepreneurs.
“MTN has shown that true leadership isn’t about profit or recognition but about collaboration. Nation building is not a solo performance; it’s a symphony,” said Dlamini, describing how their partnership has helped local producers and innovators connect and thrive in the digital economy.
He added that the initiative has inspired local entrepreneurs to embrace a mindset of self-reliance and innovation through movements such as Made in Eswatini.
MTN Acting CEO Jerry Soko thanked the partners for their role in advancing MTN’s community and innovation programmes. He reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to building a digital Eswatini where no one is left behind.
“Our partners are the heartbeat of the Y’ello Care movement. Together, we are not just connecting people; we are changing lives,” said Soko.
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