Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Government of Eswatini is developing a digital tracking system to curb the escalating cases of cattle rustling across the country, a crime that has cost farmers an estimated E6.5 million in recent years.
The initiative was announced by Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya, who addressed Members of Parliament in the House of Assembly on October 30, 2025. The project is being developed in partnership with MTN Eswatini and the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE).
According to Minister Maziya, the tracking system will be integrated into the existing “Government In Your Hand” digital platform, further extending government services to rural communities where livestock farming is most common.
“This innovation will protect farmers’ livestock and restore dignity to the men and women who work tirelessly to provide food for the nation,” said Maziya.
She added that the initiative will not only deter cattle thieves but also contribute to reducing the digital divide between urban and rural populations, giving farmers access to technology-driven solutions.
Cattle rustling has long been a serious challenge to Eswatini’s agricultural sector, leaving many farmers financially crippled and emotionally distressed.
Speaking to Eswatini TV, Eswatini National Agricultural Union (ESNAU) CEO Thami Dlamini welcomed the development, saying farmers have endured heavy losses for far too long.
“We have lost our cattle for years, and the emotional and financial trauma has been unbearable. This initiative gives us hope that the theft will finally stop,” said Dlamini.
The app is expected to allow real-time tracking of livestock using digital identification features, enabling farmers and authorities to monitor animal movement and trace stolen cattle more quickly.
Government has not yet disclosed the official rollout date, but consultations and system development are already underway.
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