YOKOHAMA, JAPAN –His Majesty King Mswati III yesterday urged emaSwati to develop cutting-edge technological skills to enable Eswatini to compete globally.
He said the time has come for locals to spearhead ambitious projects like the proposed E6 billion industrial park for Eswatini, which was recently unveiled by the king as part of an investment by the republic of China on Taiwan and is to be situated at Phocweni. The park is aimed at becoming a hub for industrial development, job creation and technological advancement in the country.
Speaking during a meeting with emaSwati who are students or working in Japan the King emphasised the need for locals to embrace innovation. “We need to embrace technology” he declared, highlighting how such expertise could drive Eswatini’s industrial transformation.
The monarch was pleased to find emaSwati benefiting from opportunities facilitated by the Tokyo International Conference on African Development(TICAD), describing them as “fruits of ongoing discussions” between Eswatini and Japan. He praised the host nation’s advancements saying the country looks forward to gaining a lot from Japan’s technical expertise and experience in infrastructure and social welfare among others as they are well advanced.
Central to his message was the role of emaSwati in Japan in acquiring skills vital for Eswatini’s future. “We are happy one of us is learning from what they have mastered in robotics” the King said, which places the country in a good position to utilize this skill when need arises, especially with development of science and tech parks and the desired industrial park worth E6 billion (US$339 million). We expect to bring latest tech to these parks.”
The proposed E6 billion industrial and technology park represents a cornerstone of Eswatini’s economic vision aimed at fostering innovation and attracting investment. His Majesty urged the group to leverage their experiences abroad stating: “Being here is great advantage to gain useful and valuable knowledge. We trust they will be ambassadors to lure investors to Eswatini.”
Reflecting on the warm reception during his visit the King commended Japan as “a friendly nation that takes good care of friends from outside their borders.” He encouraged the emaSwati to embody their national character positively: “It is good that we look to those studying and working here to demonstrate our character as emaSwati. The Japanese should be excited to work with liSwati. Let us not reach a stage where they do not want to deal with us.”
He expressed satisfaction with their well-being: “We are happy to see you are looking after yourself well. We have also been well treated while here.” The King also stressed the importance of cultural integration advising: “Learn the Japanese language as in Rome you do what the Romans do. Breaking the language barriers is important and we trust we now have interpreters” he quipped. His Majesty motivated the group to persevere urging them to continue to work hard and make the country proud.
The students who introduced themselves to the king yesterday are; Ndumiso Dlamini who is now working for Hibot Corporation, specializing in robotics; Thandeka Mavuso, who is pursuing a Masters Degree in Economics-Public, Private Partnerships; Bongekile Motsa, who is employed by Eco Brand which is a sustainable fashion company; and Sipho Simelane, a civil servant in the Ministry of Public works and Transport who is pursuing his Masters in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Dlamini said he was honoured to meet the King and further have a brief engagement with them during which His Majesty expressed the wish to see them use their acquired skills to set up industries in Eswatini to reduce reliance on foreign investors. He said thy will take up this challenge.
Mavuso expressed excitement at meeting His Majesty saying she was the first in the family to do so. She hopes to return home after March 2027 to contribute to infrastructure development. She is keen on water and electricity projects which form part of her studies in Japan courtesy of a scholarship under TICAD.
Bongekile Motsawho was equally excited and described meeting the king as a once in a lifetime opportunity. She said she is keen on developing the fashion space in Eswatini having been in Japan for about 8 years now.
Simelane said he was also looking forward to returning home after graduating next month, to impart his new knowledge to help develop the country.
(Courtesy Pics)
