Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Senator Savannah Maziya, has called for a thoughtful and strategic approach in engaging global technology giant Google, cautioning that maintaining positive relations is essential for attracting its investment and safeguarding critical digital services.
Speaking during an ongoing workshop for Members of Parliament on the ratification of international legal instruments at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini on April 9, 2026, the Minister emphasised that Eswatini stands to benefit significantly from partnerships with companies such as Google.
However, she stressed that these opportunities require careful handling.
Maziya warned that antagonising global technology firms through careless remarks or hostility could have unintended consequences, including discouraging potential investors or even disrupting essential digital platforms relied upon daily.
“These companies are powerful. If we make them unhappy, they can shut down services we rely on daily, including email, search engines and video platforms. We must approach this matter carefully,” she said.
The Minister highlighted that how Eswatini positions itself in dealing with such companies will be closely observed by other international investors, making it critical to foster a welcoming and stable digital environment.
At the same time, she encouraged Parliament to actively support efforts to attract global tech firms, noting that their presence could unlock new economic opportunities, enhance content monetisation for emaSwati, and strengthen the country’s ability to combat cybercrime.
Her remarks followed concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding cyberbullying, online defamation, data security and the country’s readiness to manage digital threats.
Maziya acknowledged these concerns and reiterated that building strong partnerships with global technology players, alongside robust legislation, would help address these challenges while accelerating Eswatini’s digital transformation.
She pointed to recent developments, including the uncovering of an international cybercrime syndicate in March 2026, as evidence of the growing need for advanced digital capabilities and strategic global collaboration.
The Minister expressed confidence that with the right approach, Eswatini can position itself as an attractive destination for technology investment while ensuring the protection and empowerment of its citizens in the digital space.
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