- Calls for one African voice in global negotiations
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Prince Lindani has called for a united Africa, saying the continent must speak with one voice if it is to secure meaningful development and stronger outcomes in global partnerships.
Speaking at Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre on Monday, May 11, 2026 during discussions linked to the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly cycle, Prince Lindani stressed that Africa’s unity was critical in ensuring that the continent negotiated from a position of strength and advanced its own development priorities.
He said Eswatini’s responsibility within continental and international engagements was to support Africa’s cohesion before engaging external partners.
“When Africa speaks with one voice, the world listens. When Africa walks together, global partnerships are strengthened,” Prince Lindani said.
The Prince warned that divisions among African nations weakened the continent’s bargaining power on important international issues, particularly in negotiations involving development financing, trade, climate change and governance.
He urged African countries to arrive at international platforms with common positions and a shared agenda.
“If Africa arrives in Brussels divided, the world will divide us further. But if Africa arrives united, with one position and one shared text, then all of us stand to benefit,” he said.
Four priorities for Africa
Prince Lindani outlined four key priorities he described as non-negotiable for Africa in the current Joint Parliamentary Assembly cycle.
He said parliamentary power must be strengthened to ensure genuine oversight and accountability, noting that democratic institutions should have meaningful authority beyond symbolic representation.
On development partnerships, he stressed that the Global Gateway initiative should serve Africa’s own development agenda rather than external priorities.
“The Global Gateway must serve Africa’s plan, not impose priorities that are disconnected from the continent’s aspirations,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of investing in Africa’s youth, describing young people as a vital force for economic transformation and long-term prosperity.
The Prince also called for climate justice, saying African countries should not be treated as recipients of charity despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions while suffering disproportionately from climate-related challenges.
Eswatini’s role in strengthening Africa
Prince Lindani said although Eswatini may be one of the smaller countries in international forums, the Kingdom had an important role to play in advancing Africa’s shared interests.
He cited the country’s stability as a foundation for contributing positively to continental cooperation and development.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini may not be the biggest country in the room, but we are stable, and we must use that stability to strengthen Africa,” he said.
He added that successful partnerships should ultimately improve the lives of ordinary citizens, citing health services as an example of how parliamentary oversight could ensure development funding reached communities.
Prince Lindani concluded by urging African leaders and institutions to remain united, saying a collective approach was essential if the continent was to achieve sustainable development and greater global influence.
