By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Even though Eswatini is a land-locked country, it might soon enjoy the benefits typically reserved for countries adjacent to seas or oceans, thanks to Mozambique.
The sea port issue was a key topic during discussions between His Majesty King Mswati III and the Republic of Mozambique’s President Daniel Francisco Chapo during the latter’s visit on June 9 and 10, 2025. The king hosted President Chapo on the evening of June 9, 2025, at Mandvulo Grand Hall in Lozitha Royal Palace.
According to Eswatini TV, President Chapo supported the king’s idea of requesting a sea port in Mozambique to facilitate the import and export of goods to and from Eswatini. Another significant area of discussion was improving energy production. The king highlighted Eswatini’s energy insufficiency, as it currently imports electricity from countries such as South Africa and Mozambique.
He noted that Mozambique had discovered natural gas, particularly in the Cabo Delgado province.
The Mozambique LNG website states that natural gas was discovered in Mozambique in 2010, leading to the Mozambique Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Project. This project, which features a two-unit liquefaction facility, received a final investment decision of US$20 billion (about E353.2 billion) in 2019.
The king expressed that Eswatini hoped to benefit from Mozambique’s natural gas discovery, especially as a neighboring country. He mentioned that this discovery coincided with Eswatini securing funding to construct a Strategic Oil Reserve facility in Phuzumoya, KaMkhweli Chiefdom, under Siphofaneni Inkhundla, in the Lubombo Region.
The king indicated that the area designated for the Strategic Oil Reserve was vast enough to accommodate a facility for natural gas as well. He announced that in two weeks, he would commission a delegation from Eswatini to follow up on these discussions, emphasizing that action was expected without delay.
In response, President Chapo expressed his full commitment to the plans discussed with the king. He stated that he would convene with his team in Maputo to implement the agreements made between Mozambique and Eswatini. Chapo affirmed that Mozambique and Eswatini are akin to one family, sharing much in common, and emphasized the importance of collaboration for the development of their respective people.
(Courtesy Pic)
