By Bahle Gama
His Majesty King Mswati III has emphasized the growing importance of the high-tech industry in shaping global economies, following his participation in the Dubai World Government Summit held from February 11-13, 2025.
Speaking during a press conference upon his return on Monday night at Ludzidzini Royal Residence, the King underscored that discussions at the summit largely revolved around how nations can position themselves in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Acknowledging the global shift towards digitization, the King highlighted that modern advancements have led to “e-everything,” with electronic services encompassing passports, identity documents, and even shopping.
He noted that as technology advances, it is essential for countries to collaborate and exchange knowledge to ensure collective progress.
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His Majesty stressed that the summit provided a valuable platform for leaders to engage in high-level discussions, interact with business executives, and explore mutual opportunities for economic growth.
He noted that representatives from various countries were present to deliberate on strategies for enhancing their respective economies through technology and innovation.
“There are still developing countries that require insights on how to bridge the digital divide and compete with developed nations in the high-tech space.
As a country, we had the opportunity to present our progress and aspirations in this regard,†His Majesty said.
Significantly, the King emphasized that Eswatini’s presence at the summit was not only for the Kingdom’s benefit but also to represent Africa as a whole, further stressing the importance of leveraging such international forums to promote economic opportunities, foster business collaborations, and enhance job creation across sectors.
conference at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
According to His Majesty, during the summit, Eswatini engaged in discussions with various nations and organizations on ways to expand opportunities, facilitate investments, and invite experts to the Kingdom for benchmarking and advisory purposes.
The King noted that these exchanges play a crucial role in refining and improving different economic sectors within Eswatini.
He also acknowledged the challenges that may arise in implementing technological advancements but remained optimistic, stating, “Hurdles are inevitable, but they do not mean that progress is unattainable.
The commitment shown by other countries and businesses encourages us to push forward despite obstacles.â€
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Furthermore, the King expressed gratitude for the warm reception Eswatini received in the United Arab Emirates, highlighting that the Kingdom strengthened diplomatic ties through cooperation and agreements.
He reiterated the significance of such international engagements in fostering economic growth and ensuring sustainable development.
“This summit has planted a seed that will yield diverse and positive outcomes for Eswatini and Africa at large,†His Majesty concluded, affirming that the Kingdom remains committed to embracing technological advancements to enhance its economy and global standing.
“Umsebenti uhambe kahle kakhulu maSwati,” His Majesty added, reassuring the nation of the fruitful engagements at the summit.
