Mbabane – The Kingdom of Eswatini has joined global celebrations of Data Protection Week 2026, running from January 22 to 28, to raise awareness on the importance of safeguarding personal information and empowering citizens to control their data.
This year’s theme, “Take Control of Your Data,” encourages a rights-based approach to personal information, promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment. The initiative aims to help emaSwati understand their rights while holding organizations that process data accountable.
The Eswatini Data Protection Authority (EDPA) said personal data is a valuable resource that must be protected to prevent infringements on fundamental freedoms.
“In this digital era, protecting personal data is not just a legal requirement; it is a moral responsibility,” the EDPA said. The Authority urged organizations to integrate privacy by design into their operations and manage data with transparency, fairness, and accountability. According to the EDPA, protecting personal information is the foundation for a trusted and thriving digital economy.
Throughout the week, the EDPA will run awareness and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2022, and empower citizens to actively protect their rights. Activities include campaigns to educate the public on their data protection rights, promoting the registration of data controllers and processors, and workshops for Data Protection Officers to reinforce their roles.
The EDPA also called on all data controllers and processors to mark the week by improving how they collect, store, and process personal information. The Authority noted that the observance serves as a reminder that safeguarding data is both a legal requirement and a shared responsibility critical to Eswatini’s digital growth.
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