Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III took a private tour to inspect the International Convention Centre and Five Star Hotel (ICC & FISH) ahead of the celebrations for his 40-year reign and 58th birthday.
This was on April 13, 2026 at Ezulwini where he was reportedly joined by Cabinet Ministers and other important delegates.
Percy Simelane, the Director of Communications at the King’s Office, confirmed the King’s tour and inspection of the ICC & FISH when reached for comment. However, he disclosed that they were not sure whether it was a one-day inspection or the King would continue with the tour and inspection.
“Inspection is considered the second nature of construction, particularly by the holder of the project to see if their expectations have been fully met. Millennium projects, including the Convention Centre and Five Star Hotel are a brainchild of the King. So, it goes without saying that for him to do an inspection of same was paramount, particularly for a leader who is hands on in approach. We have no official information on his return to the construction site again,” said Simelane.
Meanwhile, On April 10, Minister of Home Affairs, Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe Dlamini announced officially that His Majesty King Mswati III has designated April 24, 2026, as the day for the King’s Double Celebration. Speaking during a formal press briefing held at the Ministry of Home Affairs boardroom, the minister confirmed that the nation will gather to commemorate two landmark milestones: His Majesty’s 58th birthday and the 40th anniversary of his coronation.
The festivities are scheduled to take place at the Somhlolo National Stadium, serving as a unified tribute to four decades of His Majesty’s leadership and the kingdom’s cultural heritage. Princess Lindiwe emphasised the importance of this occasion as the country prepares to host a ceremony of such grand magnitude, inviting all citizens to look forward to the historic day.
On another note, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg recently disclosed that the ICC & FISH will be a game-changer for Eswatini, pointing a broad spectrum of opportunities aimed at empowering emaSwati through jobs, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Speaking during Finance in Focus, Rijkenberg explained that the new financial year, which began on April 1, is not just about numbers, but about unlocking real opportunities across key sectors of the economy.
“I thought I would just unpack a few of the areas where I believe this budget is going to create opportunities for those looking at doing business and those seeking jobs,” said Rijkenberg.
At the centre of this transformation is the newly completed International Conference Centre (ICC), which is expected to redefine the country’s tourism and business landscape.
“It is absolutely going to be a game-changer for our country,” Rijkenberg said, noting that the facility is set to attract frequent regional and international conferences.
“There’ll be two or three [meetings] a week creating a huge demand for tourism hotels, B&Bs even if you have an extra room,” he added.
The ICC & FISH project in Eswatini is a key infrastructure investment designed to shift the country toward high-value business tourism (MICE—Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), aimed at stimulating economic diversification, increasing foreign exchange, and creating jobs. Once operational under operator Palazzo Hospitality, the facility seeks to fill a gap in the hospitality sector.
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