…Kingdom joins high-level Korea-Africa meeting focused on trade, investment and sustainable development
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– Eswatini has pledged its commitment to strengthening international partnerships after participating in the 2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
The Kingdom was represented by Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, during the meeting held on June 1, 2026.
The high-level gathering brought together African Union member states, key continental institutions and officials from the Republic of Korea to review progress made since the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit held in 2024 and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Co-chaired by the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Ghana, the meeting included participation from major African institutions such as the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Expanding Opportunities For Growth
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment between Africa and South Korea to deepen strategic cooperation and unlock new opportunities for economic transformation.
Participants welcomed South Korea’s continued commitment to strengthening relations with African countries and applauded the announcement that the next Korea-Africa Summit will be held in 2029.
Discussions centred on strengthening economic cooperation, promoting sustainable growth and enhancing collective responses to global challenges.
Key areas identified for collaboration included trade and investment, infrastructure development, digital innovation, food security, climate action, health, peace and security, critical minerals and people-to-people exchanges.
For Eswatini, these discussions present significant opportunities to attract investment, expand trade partnerships and benefit from technological innovation as the country continues pursuing its development agenda.
Advancing Eswatini’s Development Goals
The Kingdom’s participation highlights Government’s commitment to engaging with international partners to advance national development priorities.
South Korea is widely recognised for its remarkable economic transformation over the past several decades, making it an important development partner for many African countries seeking to accelerate industrialisation, technological advancement and economic diversification.
The focus on digital innovation, infrastructure development and sustainable growth aligns closely with Eswatini’s own aspirations for economic transformation and improved service delivery.
Through platforms such as the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Eswatini is able to engage directly with potential partners, share experiences and identify areas where cooperation can contribute to improved livelihoods for emaSwati.
Strengthening International Relations
Beyond the formal discussions, Dr Gina also met Judge Jin Hyun Paik, the Republic of Korea’s candidate for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term.
Such engagements further strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries and create avenues for continued collaboration across various sectors.
The adoption of a Joint Statement outlining priority areas for enhanced Korea-Africa cooperation is expected to provide a framework for future engagement and practical implementation of agreed initiatives.
Building A Prosperous Future Together
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation noted that Eswatini remains committed to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with the Republic of Korea and fellow African nations.
As global economies become increasingly interconnected, strategic partnerships such as these are expected to play a critical role in driving sustainable development, economic transformation and shared prosperity.
The Kingdom’s participation in the Seoul meeting demonstrates its determination to remain actively engaged in international forums that promote cooperation, innovation and inclusive growth.
With opportunities emerging in trade, investment, technology and infrastructure, the strengthening of Korea-Africa relations could provide valuable benefits for Eswatini and the continent as a whole in the years ahead.
(Courtesy Pic)
