Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty has described his quick reciprocal visit to Mozambique as an example of the Nkwe mandate.
Just two months ago he tasked his government ministers with renewing the existing bilateral agreements between the two countries.
They were also to find new areas of cooperation and facilitate a reciprocal visit of His Majesty the King following the state visit of Mozambican President Daniel Chapo in Eswatini in June this year.
The ministers of both countries delivered in under eight weeks and the King is highly impressed. The ministers involved include Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhelo, Minister for Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu and Minister for Commerce Trade and Industry Manqoba Khumalo, who are part of the king’s delegation.
His Majesty said this type of turnaround underscored the urgency of tangible progress. He emphasised that his swift reciprocation of President Daniel Chapo’s June 2025 visit exemplifies his commitment to transformative action.
Addressing a state banquet hosted by President Chapo, King Mswati declared: “This year is a year of transformation for Eswatini. I charged government and the nation to embrace the spirit of ‘Nkwe’ – to run faster than a bee. As King, I must be exemplary. My visit here so soon after your working visit demonstrates this call to action.”
Reflecting on the historical ties forged by King Sobhuza II and President Samora Machel, His Majesty stressed the need to accelerate cooperation: “We must leave a legacy of strategic economic development and shared values. The time for deepening our collaboration is now.”
The monarch hailed the revival of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) as pivotal to streamlining dialogue and ensuring timely implementation of agreements. He also praised the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the chambers of commerce of both nations as a milestone in private-sector collaboration.
Signing on behalf the kingdom was Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu. The Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhelo signed the energy supply agreement which will see continued and increased supply of energy as well as in other energy sources such as gas.
MHLUMENI BORDER TO OPERATE 24HRS
The governments of Eswatini and Mozambique have agreed to have the Mhlumeni/Goba border post operate 24 hours.
This is to facilitate trade and movement, alongside a proposed one-stop border post. It forms one of the deliverables in the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) which was signed on Friday shortly after a meeting between the two leaders in Maputo.
They also witnessed the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement and a Cooperation Agreement between Eswatini National Petroleum Company and Mozambique’s PETROMAC S.A, aimed at enhancing energy trade.
The key aspect of the Joint Communiqué include:
1. Trade and Investment: Plans to negotiate a trade and investment agreement under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a joint business forum to bolster private-sector ties.
2. Energy: Mozambique’s EDM will increase electricity supply to Eswatini from 30MW to 100MW, while both nations committed to affordable tariffs for petroleum and natural gas trade.
3. Security: Expanded cooperation to combat cross-border crimes, including human trafficking and drug smuggling, with Eswatini set to host the JPCDS meeting in October 2025.
4.Infrastructure: Eswatini will secure dedicated port space at Maputo and Matola ports under a rail agreement with Mozambique’s CFM.
Additional MoUs cover education (teacher exchanges and mutual recognition of qualifications), health (disease outbreak collaboration), and water (resuming the Lomahasha/Namaacha supply project).
ROYAL WEDDING CEMENTS BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP
The recent marriage between a member of Eswatini’s royal family Princess Sibahle and a Mozambican national was hailed as a symbol of deepening people-to-people ties.
His Majesty the King expressed gratitude for the warmth shown to Eswatini’s delegation during the wedding, stating: “This union reaffirms that our friendship transcends political cooperation.”
President Chapo echoed the sentiment, noting that such familial bonds would further integrate the two nations. With over 30 agreements and commitments now in place, the visit marks an important step towards regional integration and shared prosperity.
The King was also due to tour key development sites in Mozambique.
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