Africa-Press – Eswatini. The inaugural Tourism NKWE 2025 Indaba, masterfully programmed and directed by Business Eswatini (BE) Chief Executive Officer, E. Nathi Dlamini, was not merely another conference. It was a declaration. A declaration that Eswatini’s tourism sector has not only survived but is poised to reclaim its rightful “spot under the sun.”
While the event was hosted by the Hospitality & Tourism Association of Eswatini (HOTAES) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), its soul was a testament to the power of the organized private sector, embodied by BE and its extensive membership who formed a significant portion of the attendees and key contributors.
From the outset, CEO Dlamini, serving as Programme Director, set a powerful tone. In his opening remarks, he didn’t shy away from the “harrowing and unbelievable tales” of an industry brought to its knees by the pandemic. He painted a vivid picture of a sector “swimming in red ink,” where venues shut down “forever” and others “painfully hobbled their way into a tomorrow that was unknown.” This raw honesty wasn’t meant to dwell on the past, but to magnify the magnitude of the comeback – a comeback that BE is deeply invested in.
“This is undoubtedly a very important gathering… in more ways than one,” Dlamini stated, a sentiment that echoed throughout the day. The Indaba successfully translated this spirit of resilience into a concrete action plan, receiving resounding support from the highest levels of government.
The Prime Minister, Right Honorable – Russell Mmiso Dlamini, called for strengthened global partnerships, explicitly connecting tourism growth to the national goals of wealth creation and wellbeing. This was powerfully reinforced by the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, who positioned tourism as a key driver for the nation’s economic growth, emphasizing the improved outlook and the critical need for investor confidence.
This alignment between government policy and private sector ambition is precisely the ecosystem Business Eswatini exists to foster. The presence of so many BE members; from large-scale investors to resilient SMMEs created a fertile ground for networking, deal-making, and strategic alignment that will extend far beyond the conference walls.
The event also marked a significant step in regional collaboration, with the Botswana Tourism Organization’s participation signaling a planned Memorandum of Understanding. This move towards shared standards and cross-border marketing presents immense opportunities for BE members looking to expand their regional footprint.
So, what does this mean for Business Eswatini? The role of Programme Director was not a mere ceremonial title. It was a strategic placement that allowed BE to guide the conversation, ensure substantive dialogue, and champion the interests of the entire business community. The discussions on policy support, skills development, and public-private partnerships are core BE mandates.
The road ahead, as outlined in the Indaba’s resolutions, is where BE’s true work begins. The organization is now perfectly positioned to leverage the conference’s momentum to:
• Champion Policy Reform: Advocate for the policy support discussed, ensuring a conducive environment for tourism investment.
• Facilitate Partnerships: Connect its vast network of members with the investment opportunities and partnership frameworks highlighted.
• Drive Implementation: Collaborate with HOTAES, ETA, and government to turn the NKWE resolutions into tangible, job-creating actions.
Business Eswatini extends its deepest congratulations to HOTAES, the Ministry of Tourism, ETA, and all partners for a groundbreaking event. The success of Tourism NKWE 2025 is a mirror reflecting what Eswatini can achieve when the public and private sectors work in lockstep. BE was there, in the trenches during the hard times, and as the CEO’s role demonstrates, we are here now, at the very forefront, guiding the sector’s triumphant return and steering it towards a future of sustainable growth and shared prosperity for all Emaswati.
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