OSAKA, JAPAN – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has opened talks with Taiwan’s top trade body to position Eswatini as a hub for semiconductor production in Africa. He shared the country’s ambitions during a high-level meeting with James Huang, President of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
The discussions took place after a guided digital tour at the Tech World stand, where the Eswatini delegation experienced Taiwan’s technological progress and biodiversity. Semiconductor production — a sector dominated by Taiwan — was a key focus.
The prime minister outlined Eswatini’s goal to manufacture components of the global chip-making supply chain, turning the Kingdom into a “superwarehouse” for semiconductor products. Responding to this vision, Huang pledged to introduce a training programme for emaSwati students, aimed at equipping them with skills in the semiconductor and IT sectors. He also pointed to Eswatini’s potential to become one of Taiwan’s partner centres on the continent.
The Kingdom’s delegation, which includes Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko, Minister of Commerce Monqoba Khumalo, Minister of Tourism Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, Senator Chief Ngome Ndlangamandla, and EIPA CEO Sibani Mngomezulu, also met officials from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Serbia.
During bilateral meetings, the prime minister was briefed by Saudi officials on preparations for Expo 2030, which the Middle Eastern country is set to host. Saudi Arabia thanked Eswatini for being among the first nations to support its bid to host the next Expo.
Eswatini’s unique cultural assets were praised by the Saudi delegation, which encouraged the use of digital platforms to present the Kingdom’s heritage on global stages. Dlamini responded positively, noting the role of technology in shaping the future and presenting Eswatini’s culture to the world.
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