Africa-Press – Eswatini. Parliament, House of Assembly, today hold its first sitting of 2026, marking the beginning of legislative work under a renewed national vision for economic transformation.
This follows last Friday’s official opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament by His Majesty King Mswati III, where he delivered a powerful Speech from the Throne outlining 35 strategic directives set to steer Eswatini toward accelerated growth, innovation and inclusive prosperity.
According to an Order Paper issued today, legislators will consider a House Motion on the Speech from the Throne. The Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini will move that a humble address be presented to His Majesty King Mswati III, expressing gratitude for the address delivered during the State Opening of the Third Session of the Twelfth Parliament on Friday, 20th February 2026.
A Transformative Opening Ceremony
The State Opening ceremony was a moment of national pride, attended by Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Judiciary, senior government officials and invited dignitaries. The event underscored the unity of the Kingdom and the shared responsibility of leaders to deliver tangible results for emaSwati.
In his address, His Majesty King Mswati III laid out a comprehensive roadmap anchored on economic transformation, job creation and improved service delivery. The 35 directives touched on critical sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, digital innovation, youth empowerment, infrastructure development and public sector efficiency.
Central to the King’s message was the call for accelerated implementation of projects that stimulate domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. He emphasized the importance of strengthening value chains, supporting small and medium enterprises, and attracting strategic foreign direct investment to unlock new opportunities.
Focus on Youth and Innovation
The King also highlighted the need to equip young people with practical skills aligned to market demands. He urged greater investment in vocational training, technology, and entrepreneurship as drivers of sustainable employment.
Digital transformation featured prominently in the Speech from the Throne, with emphasis placed on expanding connectivity, modernizing public services and embracing innovation to enhance transparency and efficiency in governance.
Strengthening Governance and Accountability
His Majesty further directed that government ministries and public institutions must sharpen accountability mechanisms, accelerate project implementation and ensure prudent use of public resources. Parliament was urged to play its oversight role diligently to guarantee that national programmes deliver measurable impact.
A Defining Legislative Session
Today’s sitting will therefore set the tone for what promises to be a defining legislative session. The debate on the Speech from the Throne will allow Members of Parliament to reflect on the directives, propose practical pathways for implementation and align their legislative priorities with the national development agenda.
With 35 clear directives now before the nation, the Third Session of the 12th Parliament begins with strong momentum and a shared commitment to advancing Eswatini’s economic transformation journey.
As the House of Assembly convenes, the focus shifts from vision to execution, an opportunity for leaders to translate royal directives into policies, laws and programmes that uplift communities and strengthen the Kingdom’s future.
