YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – King Mswati III has called on emaSwati to develop advanced technological skills to help Eswatini compete on the global stage and lead major projects, including the proposed E6 billion industrial park at Phocweni.
The monarch spoke to Eswatini students and professionals in Japan, many benefiting from opportunities under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). The industrial park, backed by an investment from the Republic of China on Taiwan, is intended as a hub for industrial development, job creation, and technological advancement.
“Technology will be a key driver for our industrial transformation,” the King said, urging the group to bring expertise acquired abroad back to Eswatini. He specifically mentioned skills in robotics and infrastructure development as vital for the country’s future.
During the visit, His Majesty noted Japan’s advancements and encouraged emaSwati to integrate culturally and linguistically while learning from the host nation. “Breaking the language barriers is important, and we trust we now have interpreters,” he said, urging the students to represent Eswatini positively.
The group introduced themselves to the King, including Ndumiso Dlamini of Hibot Corporation specializing in robotics; Thandeka Mavuso, pursuing a Masters in Economics-Public, Private Partnerships; Bongekile Motsa from Eco Brand, a sustainable fashion company; and Sipho Simelane, a civil servant studying Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Dlamini said he was inspired by the King’s call to use his skills to establish industries at home, while Mavuso hopes to return after March 2027 to contribute to infrastructure projects. Motsa, with eight years of experience in Japan, aims to grow Eswatini’s fashion industry, and Simelane plans to apply his civil engineering expertise to national development after graduating next month.
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