Eswatini leads Digital Innovation Dialogue at Premier India-Africa Business Forum
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Savannah Maziya, Eswatini’s Minister of Information, Communications and Technology recently underscored the transformative power of Africa’s youthful population at the 20th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi.
Her remarks highlighted the continent’s potential to harness innovation, research, and development as engines for socio-economic growth, emphasising the role of youth as catalysts for change.
The conclave, held from August 27 to 29 under the theme “Co-Creating a Shared Future,” convened government leaders, business executives, policymakers, and innovators from India and Africa to strengthen economic and developmental partnerships.
The event focused on trade, investment, and technology cooperation, with a particular spotlight on accelerating Africa’s digital future through innovation and research and development (R&D).
Minister Maziya joined a distinguished panel of experts from both continents to discuss strategies for bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive digital economies.
She highlighted India’s successful digital public infrastructure platforms, such as Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), as models that could be adapted to African contexts to stimulate research, innovation, and skills development.
In her address, the Minister showcased Eswatini’s pioneering National Digitalisation Program, “Government in Your Hand,” which enables citizens to access government services seamlessly via mobile devices, web portals, and digital kiosks.
She described the program as a “people-first approach” to digital transformation, designed to bring government closer to its citizens, create opportunities for youth, enhance healthcare delivery, support farmers with data, and empower the population to participate fully in the digital economy.
“Africa is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 60 per cent under the age of 25,” Minister Maziya noted. “Leveraging innovation, research, and development, our youth can drive Africa’s transformation, turning ideas into enterprises, and challenges into opportunities.”
The Minister called for deeper collaboration between Africa and India, emphasising mutual benefits in expanding trade and investment in digital industries, nurturing innovation ecosystems, and enhancing digital skills through India’s incubators and accelerator programs. She also advocated for advancing joint research initiatives that capitalise on India’s technological expertise and Africa’s vibrant, youthful energy.
“India brings experience, infrastructure, and technological know-how. Africa brings youthful energy, creativity, and untapped markets. Together, we can accelerate a digital future that uplifts millions and drives our economies forward,” she affirmed.
In recognition of her visionary leadership in digital transformation, Minister Maziya received a special recognition award during the conclave, honouring her commitment to advancing Eswatini’s digital agenda and fostering Africa-India cooperation.
Concluding her intervention, she stressed Africa’s responsibility to shape its own digital destiny: “Africa must be the architect of her own digital future and success.
She must curate the future she wants and not have it written for her. We as Eswatini stand ready to collaborate with all African countries and our partner, India, to realise this future.”
Minister Maziya also participated in a high-level roundtable discussion on digital services, engaging with senior officials from the Government of India, African ministers, and business leaders.
The dialogue explored scaling digital services, from financial inclusion to e-governance and innovation ecosystems, through India-Africa collaboration to unlock new avenues for growth and opportunity. ?
