King Mswati III champions stronger Ghana-Eswatini trade ties in historic visit

King Mswati III of Eswatini has made a compelling call for deeper trade relations among African nations during his historic maiden visit to Ghana, urging leaders on the continent to work together to unlock Africa’s full economic potential.

During a visit to the Jubilee House in Accra, the monarch described his presence in Ghana as the dawn of a new chapter in Ghana-Eswatini relations. Emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation, King Mswati III said African countries must look inward to foster sustainable growth through regional trade.

“We are very happy to be here from the Kingdom of Eswatini to strengthen cooperation and ties between our two countries. We look forward to meeting the people of Ghana and exchanging a lot of information, as we have a lot in common, especially when it comes to culture, lifestyles, and more. We can share a lot of ideas and develop new ones,” he said.

Highlighting trade as a top priority, King Mswati III lamented the low levels of commerce between African nations despite the promises of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He stressed that boosting trade would require major investments in infrastructure and logistical support.

“It’s high time we turned this situation around and increased trade among African countries. We are here to explore opportunities and see how we can enhance trade between our nations. Infrastructure development is crucial for trade, and it’s an area that requires attention in our development as a continent,” he stated.

In response, President John Dramani Mahama welcomed the call for stronger collaboration, expressing Ghana’s readiness to deepen its ties with Eswatini, particularly in trade and investment.

“Ghana is much ready to cooperate with Eswatini to explore the various opportunities that may come up between the two countries,” the President said.

To formalize this renewed partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two nations. Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Eswatini’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, signed on behalf of their respective countries.

Following the state engagements in Accra, King Mswati III is continuing his visit in Kumasi as a special guest of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. His itinerary includes courtesy calls on the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, a tour of the Manhyia Palace Museum, and an address to the National House of Chiefs.

A durbar of chiefs will be held in his honour at the Manhyia Palace, culminating in a royal banquet hosted by the Asantehene on Friday evening. The visit concludes on Saturday with a joint appearance by King Mswati III and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at a special ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The historic visit is expected to further cement cultural and diplomatic bonds between the Asante Kingdom and the Kingdom of Eswatini, marking a new era of cooperation between West and Southern Africa.