The Central Bank of Eswatini has announced the development of a national electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) system, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey.
The initiative is designed to expand financial inclusion by simplifying access to formal financial services for Eswatini’s unbanked population.
Simplifying Identity Verification
Through digital identity verification, the e-KYC system will:
- Make banking services more accessible
- Enable citizens to securely access government programs and social benefits
- Provide regulators and law enforcement with better tools to detect and investigate financial crimes
Authorities emphasize that the platform will help strengthen national security while improving convenience for everyday users.
Stakeholder Engagement and Rollout
Deputy Governor Felicia Dlamini-Kunene inaugurated a high-level stakeholder meeting to discuss the rollout of the e-KYC platform.
The meeting included:
- Commercial banks
- Regulators
- Financial service providers
- Government ministries
The aim was to ensure alignment of existing systems with the new national identity registry.
Regional Integration Through SADC
Beyond national implementation, Eswatini is also exploring a cross-border e-KYC registry within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
This could enable:
- Real-time, secure identity verification across member states
- Integrated payments infrastructure
- Greater financial efficiency and regional security
Key Takeaway
The launch of Eswatini’s national e-KYC system represents a transformative step toward financial inclusion, security, and regional integration. By digitizing identity verification, Eswatini is not only empowering its citizens but also contributing to the future of secure cross-border financial services in Africa.
