BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini could soon benefit from easier access to Russia as Moscow has announced plans to expand its visa-free travel arrangements to four African countries, including the Kingdom.
The development emerged in a Business Insider Africa report on Zimbabwe’s admission into the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), which highlighted Russia’s intention to extend visa-free travel privileges to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Eswatini.
The announcement comes as African nations continue to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with BRICS member states. Russia, one of the founding members of BRICS, has been actively deepening its engagement with African countries through trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
While details on the proposed visa-free arrangements have not yet been made public, the move could pave the way for increased tourism, business opportunities and greater cooperation between Russia and Eswatini.
The report noted that Russia’s announcement coincides with growing interest among African countries to deepen relations with the BRICS bloc. Zimbabwe, for example, recently joined the Shanghai-based BRICS New Development Bank, granting it access to new credit lines and funding opportunities aimed at supporting industrial development.
Zimbabwe has also intensified efforts to become a full member of the BRICS grouping, arguing that closer integration with emerging economies is key to expanding its participation in the global economy.
Russia’s proposed visa-free travel expansion underscores the country’s continued efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic partnerships across Africa. Should the proposal be implemented, Eswatini would join a select group of African nations benefiting from simplified travel arrangements with one of the world’s major economies.
The announcement is likely to be welcomed by stakeholders seeking to enhance bilateral cooperation between Eswatini and Russia in areas such as trade, investment, education and cultural exchange.
Further details on the timeline and implementation of the visa-free travel arrangements are expected to be announced by Russian authorities in due course.
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(Courtesy Pic)
