BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Global technology company Acer Inc. could establish a manufacturing or assembly plant in Eswatini following high-level discussions between Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and the company’s Founder and Honorary Chairman, Stan Shih.
According to information shared by government, the strategic engagement took place at Shih’s residence in Taipei as part of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Taiwan aimed at attracting high-value investments into the Kingdom.
Discussions centred on potential collaboration with Acer, one of the world’s leading technology companies, including the possibility of locating a manufacturing or assembly facility at the proposed Eswatini–Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Phocweni.
During the meeting, Prime Minister outlined His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of transforming Eswatini into a developed nation through industrialisation and investment-led economic growth.
He also highlighted Eswatini’s strategic position as an investment destination with access to regional and continental markets through various trade agreements.
The Eswatini delegation further shared government’s ambition of making the Kingdom the first country in Africa to eradicate poverty, saying entrepreneurship, technology and innovation would play a critical role in achieving that objective.
The delegation expressed hope that Shih could support the country’s development agenda by helping nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs through his Person Social Responsibility (PSR) initiative, mentorship programmes and technology-driven innovation.
Shih and his wife, Carolyn, welcomed the Prime Minister and his delegation and reaffirmed their interest in strengthening cooperation with Eswatini.
Although retired from active leadership at Acer, Shih said he remained committed to supporting initiatives that promote innovation and technology.
He said he was keen to explore partnerships with Eswatini in technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and skills development.
“We are keen to explore partnerships with Eswatini in technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and skills development,” said Shih.
He added that they would develop a collaborative programme that would enable them to work closely with Eswatini in support of the country’s development agenda.
The proposed Industrial Innovation Park at Phocweni is expected to become a flagship project for attracting technology-based industries, promoting manufacturing, facilitating technology transfer and creating employment opportunities.
Government views the project as a key pillar in its industrialisation strategy and a platform for positioning Eswatini as a competitive production hub serving regional and continental markets.
Should the discussions culminate in an investment, Acer’s presence would represent one of the most significant technology investments in Eswatini and further strengthen the long-standing economic partnership between the Kingdom and Taiwan.
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