Lobamba – King Mswati III has pointed to a dramatic expansion of Eswatini’s infrastructure over the past 40 years, with the country’s paved road network growing from around 500 kilometres at the time of his coronation in 1986 to over 2,000 kilometres today.
Speaking at Somhlolo National Stadium during his Ruby Jubilee celebrations on Friday, the King outlined a series of landmark projects completed during his reign, while also announcing a major new facility set to open imminently.
Among the flagship projects he highlighted were the King Mswati III International Airport at Sikhuphe, which he described as opening Eswatini to the globe; the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre; and the Royal Science and Technology Park and Biotechnology Park, which he said are positioned to drive innovation in the kingdom.
“We are proud to have built the King Mswati III International Airport at Sikhuphe to open access to the Kingdom from any part of the globe.”
The King also announced that a world-class International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini would be launched the following day, Saturday, April 26, which is today describing it as a facility set to host major international conferences, boost tourism, and catalyse long-term economic growth.
He called on all emaSwati to market the ICC boldly, noting that its success would generate significant benefits for the transport, hospitality, retail and tourism sectors.
The King further noted that factory shells constructed across the regions had helped decentralise economic activity and bring jobs closer to communities, while mobile technology and digital connectivity had revolutionised the ease of doing business and expanded financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas.
A forthcoming Strategic Oil Reserve was also flagged as a project that would enhance Eswatini’s energy security by ensuring a stable supply of oil and reducing dependency on external sources.
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