Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini is taking strong steps to protect people, businesses, and government offices from the growing threat of cybercrime. The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) is urging everyone to stay alert and safe online.
The Minister of ICT, Senator Savannah Maziya, said that cybersecurity is now an important part of national security and economic protection. She was speaking on October 6,2025 during the Eswatini Cybersecurity Awareness Month launch held at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini.
“Cybercrime is expected to cost the world over E200 trillion (USD 10 trillion) every year by 2027, and Africa is one of the most targeted regions,” Minister Maziya said. “If we do nothing, we risk losing money, data, and public trust in digital services. But if we act together, we can build a safer and stronger digital future.”
Since 2019, the Ministry has been running cybersecurity awareness programmes every year. In 2023, Eswatini joined the global cybersecurity calendar to match international standards and respond better to new digital threats.
Cybercriminals use different tricks such as phishing, ransomware, mobile money fraud, and “bofacata” scams, which have already cost the country millions of Emalangeni.
To fight back, the government has created the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCA) and the National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). These bodies work with other partners to handle online threats. Eswatini has also teamed up with the United Arab Emirates to train police and ICT experts in cybersecurity.
Minister Maziya said everyone has a role to play.“Public awareness and responsible online behaviour are very important,” she said.
The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) is offering free online cybersecurity courses for young people, schools, businesses, and public workers to help them stay safe online.
Minister Maziya encouraged all citizens to update their devices, protect their passwords, and think before clicking.“Every safe choice strengthens the shield that protects our nation,” she added.
She ended her message by urging the nation to build a culture of cyber awareness, trust, and resilience to keep Eswatini safe, modern, and ready for the digital age.
Meanwhile, ESCCOM CEO Mvilawemphi Dlamini said cybersecurity should be treated as a national priority that needs teamwork from the government, companies, and citizens.
He warned that online crimes are becoming more personal and costly, sharing a story of an elderly woman who lost E250,000 to a scam.
Since ESCCOM became the National Cybersecurity Agency under the 2022 Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, it has led many digital safety campaigns, partnered with UNESCO to stop cyberbullying in schools, and trained police and justice officers to investigate cybercrime.
Dlamini said more funding is needed to keep these programmes going, reminding the public that “Cybersecurity is everyone’s business.”
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
