BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Embracing digital technology and removing visa barriers across African countries could be the key to unlocking stronger trade relations and stimulating economic growth on the continent. This was emphasized by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini upon his return from international engagements in Kenya and Italy.
Speaking to the media at King Mswati III International Airport on October 18, 2025, Dlamini reflected on his participation in the 24th COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Nairobi, Kenya, and the World Food Forum and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 80th anniversary held in Rome, Italy. He represented His Majesty King Mswati III and the Kingdom of Eswatini at both events.
The Prime Minister highlighted that one of the central themes discussed at the COMESA Summit was the critical role of technology in advancing intra-African trade. According to Dlamini, African leaders collectively agreed that digitalization is no longer a luxury but a necessity to ensure faster, more transparent, and more reliable trade systems across the continent.
“Leaders said digitalization is not just a tool but a necessity to make trade faster, reliable, and more transparent,” Dlamini explained. He added that modern digital platforms can significantly reduce bureaucracy and delays at border points, making it easier for goods and services to flow across African countries.
Dlamini noted that Eswatini has previously utilized technology to facilitate the electronic movement of goods across borders, which has proven effective in simplifying some aspects of trade. However, he stressed that there is still room for improvement and innovation in these systems.
“To strengthen trade, countries must reduce reliance on paperwork, embrace digital systems, and remove visa barriers that slow down commerce,” he said. Dlamini believes that a borderless Africa, at least in terms of trade, could significantly enhance the economic potential of the continent by enabling small and large businesses alike to reach new markets with ease.
The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to brief the media about the World Food Forum and FAO anniversary in Rome, where global leaders gathered to discuss the future of food security and agricultural sustainability. A major concern raised during the forum was the ongoing use of hunger and starvation as weapons of war, particularly in crisis-affected regions such as South Sudan and Gaza.
“Leaders were unanimous in their view that using hunger as a weapon of war is unacceptable,” said Dlamini. “There was a strong call for international cooperation to ensure that food reaches all people, especially those affected by conflict and climate-related disasters.”
He added that Eswatini supports efforts to strengthen global food systems and improve agricultural production through the use of climate-smart technologies and sustainable farming practices.
Dlamini concluded by saying that both summits provided valuable platforms for discussing how African nations can collaborate more effectively in areas of trade, technology, and food security. He reiterated Eswatini’s commitment to playing an active role in building a prosperous, interconnected, and resilient Africa.
( Courtesy Pic)
