Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has, on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, left the country for Cape Town, South Africa, where he will officiate at the 4th Annual Meeting of the Global Council for Political Renewal (GCPR), scheduled to take place from February 12 to 14, 2026.
Following this engagement, the Prime Minister will proceed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent His Majesty King Mswati III and the Kingdom of Eswatini at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which will be held from February 15 to 16, 2026.
The Prime Minister will attend the GCPR meeting in his capacity as the current President of the Global Council for Political Renewal, a global platform that convenes political leaders, policymakers, academics and development practitioners to reflect on the state of governance and the renewal of political systems. This year’s meeting is expected to focus on strengthening ethical leadership, rebuilding trust in political institutions, promoting inclusive governance, and responding to emerging global challenges such as inequality, conflict and economic instability.
Speaking ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Dlamini said the GCPR meeting comes at a critical time when nations across the world are grappling with political uncertainty and governance pressures. He noted that the forum provides an opportunity for leaders to exchange ideas on political reform, institutional accountability and leadership that places citizens at the centre of decision-making.
While in Cape Town, the Prime Minister and his delegation will also participate in a mining-focused engagement, reflecting Eswatini’s strategic drive to harness its natural resources to stimulate economic growth. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III, Government has prioritised the development of the mining sector as one of the key avenues for economic diversification, employment creation and increased investment. The discussions are expected to explore responsible mining practices, sustainable resource management, skills transfer and the need to balance economic development with environmental protection.
After concluding his engagements in South Africa, Prime Minister Dlamini will travel to Addis Ababa to attend the African Union Summit from February 15 to 16, 2026, where he will represent His Majesty King Mswati III and the Emaswati nation. The AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government is the highest policy and decision-making organ of the African Union and serves as a vital platform for setting Africa’s collective priorities.
The 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly is expected to deliberate on a wide range of continental issues, including peace and security, economic integration, climate change, infrastructure development, health, education and social protection. Member states will also review progress on the implementation of Agenda 2063, Africa’s long-term development framework aimed at achieving inclusive growth, sustainable development and a prosperous, peaceful continent.
Prime Minister Dlamini emphasised that his participation at the AU Summit is undertaken on the instruction of Their Majesties, reaffirming Eswatini’s commitment to continental unity and cooperation. He said the Kingdom continues to value the African Union as a critical platform for addressing shared challenges and advancing collective African solutions.
Accompanying the Prime Minister on the trip are Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu, and Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi. The delegation reflects the multi-sectoral nature of the engagements, covering diplomacy, natural resources, labour and socio-economic development.
Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya was among the senior Government officials who bade farewell to the Prime Minister and his delegation. Speaking at the send-off, she underscored the importance of Eswatini’s participation in both meetings, noting that the engagements enhance the country’s visibility and influence on both global and continental platforms.
Through his participation in the GCPR meeting and the African Union Summit, Prime Minister Dlamini’s mission is expected to strengthen Eswatini’s international partnerships, advance national economic priorities and reinforce the Kingdom’s commitment to principled leadership, cooperation and sustainable development.
