Eswatini and South Africa Sign Digital Cooperation Pact to Accelerate Regional Transformation

Eswatini and South Africa have taken a significant step toward deepening 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.

Held in Pretoria, the meeting culminated in the joint signing of a Declaration of Intent aimed at aligning efforts across key pillars of the digital economy. The agreement outlines strategic cooperation on ICT policy harmonisation, broadband expansion, AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, cybersecurity, e-Government, and digital skills development.

Both ministers underscored the importance of a unified regional voice in shaping Africa’s position within the global digital landscape, especially around issues of cybersecurity and governance. The Declaration will form the basis for an upcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations.

Key focus areas under the partnership include:

• Harmonisation of ICT policies, regulations, and legislation

• Joint research and innovation in AI and emerging technologies

• Broadband rollout in underserved communities

• Robust cybersecurity and data protection frameworks

• Digital literacy, with an emphasis on youth and women

• Media, content creation, and broadcasting cooperation

• Enhanced e-Government services for public sector efficiency

The ministers also discussed modernising postal services to support e-commerce, promote financial inclusion, and foster regional integration.

Technical teams from both Ministries are expected to begin work on a joint implementation roadmap to operationalise the agreement.

This initiative signals Eswatini’s growing role as a forward-leaning digital player in the region and reflects a shared commitment to inclusive, secure, and innovation-led digital development across Southern Africa.