Africa-Press – Eswatini. Government is on the verge of sealing a landmark agreement with global tech giant Google, in a move expected to transform the country’s digital landscape.
Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Senator Savannah Maziya, revealed that government is finalising the necessary paperwork with the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) to facilitate Google’s entry into Eswatini.
Speaking during an interview on EBIS 1, Maziya stated that once the agreement is complete, integration of Google’s technologies with national digital programmes will begin, most notably the Government in Your Hand App. This initiative is set to enhance service delivery, bolster cybersecurity, and attract more global tech investors, known as “hyperscalers.”
“When I took office, I made a commitment to His Majesty King Mswati III that I would bring the world’s top companies to the Kingdom,” said Maziya. “Google, ranked fifth globally with a market capitalisation of $2.5 trillion, is the beginning of that promise.”
She emphasised that the partnership is about delivering world-class solutions to the people of Eswatini. “Google is one of the most powerful companies in the world, and its presence here will create countless opportunities” said the Minister.
The Government In Your Hand App, currently operational with 11 active services, allows citizens to access key government services via their smartphones, including business registration and scholarship applications. The Minister noted that efforts are underway to improve the app’s functionality and data efficiency, ensuring that more Emaswati can benefit from the platform without incurring high internet costs.
To support this initiative, the Ministry has collaborated with the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) to reduce wholesale data prices by 60% and introduce additional internet service providers to increase competition and affordability.
“This is no longer a luxury connectivity is a necessity,” Maziya stressed.
On issues of data privacy and online safety, she assured the public that government is working closely with ESCCOM and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) to safeguard users. “Glitches in the system do not indicate failure, they’re part of the innovation process. We are monitoring and refining the system before full-scale implementation.”
Maziya also addressed rumours that the partnership with Google was serving private interests. She dismissed such claims as unfounded and damaging to the country’s reputation.
“This is a national project grounded in integrity and aimed at development. Eswatini is the first African country to move in this direction, and we must rally behind it,” she said.
As Eswatini positions itself for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this collaboration signals a bold step toward building a smarter, more connected nation paving the way for innovation, job creation, and global recognition.
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