Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty’s Representative, HRH Prince Simelane, on Monday, 2 December 2025, officially opened the 44th Roundtable Conference for the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha, calling for an agile public administration, stronger partnerships and accelerated digital transformation to improve citizen centred service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Prince Simelane welcomed delegates to the Kingdom, expressing gratitude that the 44th AAPAM Roundtable Conference, a significant continental gathering promoting excellence, integrity and innovation in public administration across Africa, was being hosted in Eswatini.
He said the conference theme, Agile Public Administration, Partnership and Digital Transformation for Citizen-Centric Service Delivery, was fully aligned with the Kingdom’s development path as outlined in the National Development Plan, the Nkwe Programme of Action and the Grand Plan for National Transformation.
“These frameworks anchor the Kingdom’s aspiration to build an economy and governance system that is modern, efficient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our citizens,” he said, adding that agility in the public sector was key to achieving economic diversification, improved human development and enhanced institutional capacity.
Prince Simelane said public service excellence was not optional, but critical to national progress. “For Eswatini, public service excellence is not a luxury – it is a national imperative. A high-performing public sector strengthens trust, accelerates investment, improves social outcomes and enhances the overall resilience of our nation,” he said.
He highlighted progress already made on the digital front, including the establishment of the National Data Centre at the Royal Science and Technology Park, the expansion of the national broadband network and the rollout of e-government platforms to improve access and transparency.
Among the initiatives he cited were the Government In Your Hand programme, the e-procurement system, e-customs and e-taxation services under the Eswatini Revenue Services and the recently launched Business One Stop Shop, which is simplifying processes for businesses and investors.
“These initiatives ensure that businesses and potential investors enjoy a wholesome experience,” he said. In the education sector, he said digital access had been expanded through the Universal Access and Service Fund, which has supported ICT laboratories and internet connectivity in schools and Tinkhundla Centres, allowing communities to access the internet at no cost.
Within the health sector, Prince Simelane said systems such as the Client Management Information System, Logistics and Warehouse Management Systems, Laboratory Information System, pill dispensing facilities and digitally managed emergency services had strengthened the delivery and management of healthcare.
Reflecting on deliberations from the Sibaya People’s Parliament, he said the Tinkhundla system, also known as monarchical democracy, places the nation at the centre of decision-making.
“During the last Sibaya, the nation emphasised the need for improved service delivery, faster and more transparent government processes, accessible opportunities for all citizens and a public service that listens, innovates and responds,” he said, adding that the AAPAM Conference was an opportunity to turn those concerns into actionable reforms.
He extended gratitude to African delegates, event sponsors and the National Organising Committee for their role in hosting a successful gathering, noting that their presence affirmed the unity and shared purpose of the continent.
“As we open this 44th AAPAM Roundtable Conference, let us embrace the theme not as an aspiration but as a call to action. Let us recommit ourselves to building agile institutions, forging partnerships and harnessing digital innovation so that public service becomes a true engine of development for all our people,” he said.
On behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, HRH Prince Simelane then officially declared the 44th AAPAM Roundtable Conference open, marking another significant milestone in the Kingdom’s drive towards a modern, efficient and citizen focused public administration system.
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