Africa-Press – Eswatini. The minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade has introduced a new economic partnership between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Economic Community of the African Diaspora, called ECO-6.
According to Minister Manqoba Khumalo, this organisation has been formed by members of the African Diaspora whose ancestors were taken as slaves from African Kingdoms more than 400 years ago and dispersed across many territories in Latin America, the Caribbean, USA and Europe. Khumalo said the Economic Community of the African Diaspora (ECO-6) has chosen Eswatini as their home, as they take the next step in their African re-integration journey. He noted that this organisation first came to Eswatini in 2019 and their plans were delayed by COVID-19.
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He mentioned that during his recent trip to the United Nations General Assembly, His Majesty the King met representatives of ECO-6 and encouraged them to return to the country, to practically explore how they could make their dream of establishing an economic base in Africa a reality in the Kingdom of Eswatini. “They responded swiftly to the invitation by His Majesty the King and have been in the country for the last few weeks and have attended the very successful Sibaya, amongst other key events,” said the minister. Khumalo noted that after meeting many stakeholders across many sectors of the economy, ECO-6 has confirmed to government and the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) that they have made the decision to set up their base in Eswatini, in order to advance their economic integration agenda on the continent.
The minister said they have already registered their company here and when they return in the new year, they would outline their programme of action. Khumalo said whilst EIPA was assisting them from an investment and trade perspective, their re-integration agenda would ultimately involve other aspects such as culture, heritage and tourism. “We see this partnership as yet another groundbreaking initiative that will allow ECO-6 to invest, trade and mobilise resources towards the economic advancement of our country and ultimately the whole continent,” said the minister.
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