Eswatini’s King Mswati III has pledged to send a team of experts, including businesspeople and government officials, to Zimbabwe to explore potential business opportunities. This announcement was made during a State banquet held in the King’s honour, where he was hosted by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The King’s pledge follows President Mnangagwa’s commitment to offer him 50,000 hectares of land to do sugar cane farming in Zimbabwe. The King highlighted Eswatini’s strength in the sugar industry and its developed skills in the sector. He added that the team of experts should not only comprise government officials but also businesspeople to explore opportunities beyond agriculture.
King Mswati III officially opened the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2023 alongside President Mnangagwa. Both leaders called for increased trade collaboration between Eswatini and Zimbabwe, especially as most African countries are operationalising the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).
The King also emphasised that the ACFTA should lead to seamless trade and business transactions between Eswatini and Zimbabwe. He expressed his pride in selecting Harare as one of Eswatini Air’s key destinations, adding that the move would strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries and possibly lead to positive spin-offs in trade, investment, and tourism.
President Mnangagwa thanked King Mswati III for accepting his invitation to pay a state visit and also being the Guest of Honour at the 63rd Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. He also appreciated Eswatini’s role during Zimbabwe’s struggle for freedom, particularly the late HRH Prince Masitsela.
The commitment by King Mswati III to send a team of experts to Zimbabwe is expected to further enhance trade collaboration between Eswatini and Zimbabwe, especially in agriculture and other sectors.
