EZULWINI – The Kingdom of Eswatini will tomorrow, 14 May, welcome local and international delegates to the Inaugural Eswatini Investment Conference at Sharma House in Ezulwini. The two-day event is expected to attract key players from government, business, and development sectors to discuss strategies for boosting trade, investment, and economic growth.
The conference opens with a gala dinner tomorrow evening, where Ambassador Melusi Masuku, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, will officially welcome guests. EIPA CEO will present Eswatini as a preferred destination for investment. Business Eswatini CEO Nathi Dlamini will deliver a presentation on building a resilient local economy.
The evening’s programme includes a video message from Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Thuli Dladla, and a session on women’s contributions to the economy by Jabu Shabangu, CEO of Malome Mine. Entertainment during dinner will feature performances from Bholoja, Nomzamo, and Judah, while comedian acts will entertain guests between speeches.
ABF Sugar CEO Paul Kenward will discuss Eswatini’s global competitiveness, and AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene will speak on the country’s role in regional integration. Prime Minister Russell M. Dlamini will deliver the keynote address under the theme Nkwe! An economy working for its people.
The conference continues on 15 May with a packed agenda. CNBC Africa will broadcast parts of the morning session live. Key topics include driving exports, digital transformation, mining development, and leveraging public-private partnerships.
Speakers lined up include Nixon Dlamini of Eswatini Railway, Rhodes Food Group’s Zakhele Lukhele, DP World Maputo CCO Maneesh Goel, Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka, and Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg.
ICT Minister Savannah Maziya will speak on transforming Eswatini into a digital hub, while Talifhani Banks of Analytics X, Standard Bank Eswatini CEO Mvuselelo Fakudze, ESCCOM CEO Mvilawemphi Dlamini, and Cotecna’s Cedric Serre will share insights on how technology can drive job creation and skills development.
The programme also features a PSPF case study, a memorandum of understanding signing between MEGA and EIPA, and a session on the role of women in Africa’s economic development led by Futhi Mtoba.
Natural Resources and Energy Minister HRH Prince Lonkhokhela will speak on mining sector opportunities before pledges are unveiled. The event will close with an address by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, followed by lunch.
Discussion about this post