Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has challenged emaSwati to take full responsibility for the success of the newly opened International Convention Centre (ICC) now called Ezulwini Palazzo, urging the nation to aggressively market the facility to the global community.
Delivering his address during the official opening on April25,2026 , the King made a direct call to action, stating that the ICC’s value would be measured by its economic returns rather than the scale of investment poured into its construction.
“emaSwati must boldly market the ICC to the world,” he said, stressing that the facility must attract international conferences, exhibitions and high-level meetings that will stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors.
He underscored that the ICC was conceived as a strategic economic asset aimed at unlocking opportunities in tourism, hospitality, transport and retail, and warned against focusing solely on the capital outlay.
The King further highlighted that the responsibility to ensure the facility delivers tangible benefits rests with emaSwati, calling for a coordinated effort between government, business and the public to position the country as a competitive global destination.
The high-profile event drew regional and continental leaders, including SA President Cyril Ramaphosa, former President Jacob Zuma, His Majesty King Letsie III, former President of Botswana Ian Khama, His Majesty Misuzulu kaZwelithini, and former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila.
Also present were Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, members of the Sigodlo, Bantfwana beNkhosi and other dignitaries, reflecting the significance of the occasion.
Prior to the official opening, His Majesty conducted a tour of the facility in the company of the visiting leaders, showcasing the ICC’s readiness to host international events.
The King said the ICC forms part of a broader national vision to position Eswatini as a “land-linked” economy through modern infrastructure and global connectivity.
He maintained that the opportunity presented by the ICC must be seized, with emaSwati expected to play a leading role in ensuring the facility becomes a driver of economic growth.
His Majesty also announced that the combined convention centre and hotel would be officially known as the Ezulwini Palazzo Hotel, further branding the precinct as a premium destination for international events.
As the country marks the completion of the landmark project, the King’s message was unequivocal – the success of the ICC now depends on how effectively emaSwati promote it to the world and convert it into real economic gains.
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