The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding trade, investment and people-to-people ties with Eswatini, with British High Commissioner Colin Wells saying the bilateral relationship is excellent and getting stronger.
Wells made the remarks on Thursday evening at his Residence at Royal Villas in Ezulwini, during celebrations marking the 78th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
The event was attended by government ministers, diplomats, business leaders, Chevening scholars, civil society representatives and members of the British community in Eswatini. Standard Bank Eswatini sponsored the event.
In his address, Wells said the UK agenda in Eswatini is centred on two priorities: developing trade between the two countries, and building people-to-people relationships. He said both countries share ambitions and that all stakeholders present play a role in advancing the relationship.
Trade and investment
On trade, Wells said there is real interest in Eswatini’s potential, and the UK is supporting British companies seeking to invest significantly in the country. He said the UK is also promoting Britain as a destination of choice for exports from Eswatini.
Twice this year, the High Commission has held large-scale events showcasing the UK’s tariff-free offer to Eswatini companies of all sizes. For the first time in years, the UK participated in the annual Eswatini International Trade Fair at the end of August.
Wells said Eswatini has a wealth of entrepreneurial talent with ambitious ideas, and access to the British market can support business expansion, job creation and economic growth. “That is good for Eswatini. Don’t think small, think big,” he said.
He said bringing Eswatini products to the UK market will fuel expansion, which fuels new jobs, and step by step, fuels economic growth.
People-to-people relations.
On people-to-people relations, Wells said the UK wants to see more emaSwati travelling to Britain as tourists, students or for business, and is pleased to see British tourists coming to Eswatini.
He highlighted the Chevening Scholarship programme as a central pillar of the relationship. Each year, Britain sends three or four highly talented emaSwati to the UK on a fully funded scholarship to study for a Master’s Degree at universities including Oxford and Cambridge, as well as Exeter.
Wells said the scholars return to Eswatini and contribute to the country. He cited two examples. Standard Bank Eswatini CEO Mvuselelo Fakudze is a Chevening Scholar and now leads a bank. Diplomat Zandile Dlamini, also a Chevening Scholar, was appointed a few days ago by His Majesty King Mswati III as Ambassador to the African Union and Ethiopia.
“Congratulations Your Excellency,” Wells said. He also paid tribute to British nationals living in Eswatini. He said they work with the poorest and most vulnerable, deliver community work through their faiths, deliver events such as Luju and Bushfire, expand tourism potential, and hold senior positions including Managing Director of Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation. “I’m proud of you. You project the best of British,” he said.
……Government engagement and difficult issues
Wells thanked ministers present and said the Government of Eswatini has opened its doors to him and his predecessors.
He said the High Commission has access and is able to discuss difficult issues with government, including trade and investment opportunities and the impact of international conflicts on Eswatini, in particular the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, as well as Gaza, Iran and Hormuz.
He said the two countries also hold constructive and honest conversations on issues where there are challenges, including tackling corruption, strengthening human rights and respect for those who identify as LGBT.
He said people-to-people relations go beyond political discourse and include cultural and human bonds.
Wells said the strongest supporter of the UK-Eswatini relationship has to be His Majesty King Mswati III. He noted that Eswatini this year celebrated 40 years of King Mswati on the throne, describing it as an extraordinary reign, not just for its length but for guiding the country through economic transformation and through periods of political turbulence in the region and the wider world.
He disclosed that King Charles had written a personal message to King Mswati for the jubilee celebration in April. He said the message was sealed and he could therefore not disclose its contents.
He added that both Kings know and respect each other wonderfully and the message would have been received well.
He thanked Standard Bank Eswatini for sponsoring the evening, singling out Fakudze.
He thanked Stuart Mandy for the bagpipes, the Mbabane Chamber Orchestra and African Ntjiilo Empowerment for the music, and staff working at the bars and serving afternoon tea.
In his closing remarks, Wells said everybody present loves Eswatini, wants to support the King’s vision for a modern, first world Eswatini and wants the UK’s desire to see strong bilateral ties continue.
He then led guests in two toasts, as British High Commissioners and Ambassadors around the world do on the occasion.
The first toast was to the host head of state, His Majesty King Mswati III and the second to King Charles III.
