NEW YORK – His Majesty King Mswati III has urged emaSwati living abroad to return home and contribute to the country’s industrial and economic growth. The King spoke to a group of about 40 Eswatini students and professionals in the United States on Friday, who had come to pay a courtesy call during the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini is transforming and establishing critical industries that require expertise from some of you who are now in the diaspora. Investors setting up businesses at home will need your knowledge, and emaSwati at home want to learn from your experiences,” the King said.
The King noted the United States as one of the world’s advanced economies and encouraged students and professionals to use their exposure abroad while still working there. Among the diaspora attendees were former Eswatini Revenue Services boss Dumsani Masilela, former Principal Secretary Nonkululeko Dlamini-Magagula, and Linda Hlophe, all holding senior positions at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
The King reminded students to maintain hard work and respect, describing it as a critical emaSwati virtue. He added that the country seeks diaspora members not only for employment but also for business ventures that could generate significant annual revenue.
He encouraged investments in tourism to diversify Eswatini’s attractions beyond cultural sites. “Some countries are not endowed with natural resources like we are but create opportunities. That is what we need to do. Memorandums of Agreement with companies like Google, the UAE, and Stardust are aimed at bringing advanced technologies and positioning Eswatini as an innovation hub in Southern Africa and beyond,” the King said.
Among the students meeting the King were Samukelisiwe Tembe, a pilot pursuing a Master of Science in Technology in Aviation Management and Human Factors, and Temantimandze Shongwe, daughter of Teaching Service Commission Board member Sibusiso Shongwe, who thanked the King for intervening to save her father during difficult times.
The King presented a token of E18 000 to each student and professional in attendance.
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