BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
EZULWINI — More than 100 countries are expected to send delegates to Eswatini for a major parliamentary assembly set to take place at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC) from 7 to 14 May 2026.
The gathering will bring together legislators and diplomatic representatives from 106 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and the European Union, making it one of the largest international conferences ever hosted in the Kingdom.
Briefing the media on Tuesday, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu said the event comes just days after the official opening of the ICC by His Majesty King Mswati III, giving the facility its first major international assignment.
She said delegates from the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) African Group will start arriving this week, while European Union representatives are expected from 11 May.
Shakantu described the conference as a significant milestone for Eswatini’s growing international profile and conferencing industry.
“This is a great opportunity following the opening of the ICC by His Majesty. The world will now see the centre operating as it was designed, as a conferencing facility of international standard,” she said.
The Minister also urged Emaswati to warmly welcome the international visitors, saying the influx of delegates presents opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other local businesses.
She further noted that the conference is expected to create demand for translation and interpretation services due to the diverse languages spoken by participating countries.
