Manzini – The Kingdom of Eswatini is set to make history by being the first African country to host the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Global Exchange Programme gathering.
It marks 100 years since the ICMA was launched in 1924 and until this year, the programme has never been held on the continent.
This was revealed by the Municipal Council of Manzini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Lungile Dlamini, during the media launch of the ICMA Global Exchange Programme on Friday.
The event will take place in the city of Manzini from September 3 to 7, 2025 with only today marking the announcements of the gathering.
Present at the launch was Lancaster City Manager, Opal Mauldin-Jones, who expressed her excitement about the programme being hosted in Africa.
Mauldin-Jones further noted that she has enjoyed the hospitality she is receiving from the country, which has made her feel like a member of the Kingdom.
“I’m excited to join you as we welcome managers from around the world to the continent. In 111 years of history the International City/County Management Association has never had representation on the executive board from this continent. To be a sister city and the partner and to here with you, it is an honour,” Mauldin-Jones said.
Manzini is expected to host over 40 city managers and CEOs who come from different countries and continents.
How Manzini is elevated to this prominence follows the successful hosting bid that was clinched by the Eswatini Local Authorities Managers Association (ELAMA), where Dr. Dlamini also serves as Vice President.
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