The Regional Excellence & Development Initiative (REDI) will host Eswatini’s first national convention for company secretaries on June 24 and 25.
The event is expected to bring together company secretaries, directors, chief executive officers, regulators, legal practitioners, and governance professionals from across the public and private sectors to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in corporate governance.
The convention will feature a diverse line-up of governance, legal, financial and academic experts from Eswatini and South Africa. Among the confirmed speakers are Trevor Sithole, Director of First Corporate Secretaries South Africa and a Chartered Company Secretary; Eswatini Bank Managing Director Dr Nozizwe Mulela; governance specialist and former legal executive Adv. Sifiso Nyoni; former Central Bank of Eswatini Head of Legal and Board Secretariat Refiloe Mamogobo; Tibiyo TakaNgwane Company Secretary Nonhlanhla Shongwe; and UNESWA Artificial Intelligence Academy Coordinator Prof. Sandile Motsa.
The convention comes at a time when the Kingdom is seeking to attract investment, strengthen institutions, and improve the competitiveness of its economy through stronger governance frameworks.
Company secretaries play a critical role in organisations by ensuring boards comply with legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining statutory records, advising directors on governance obligations, and facilitating communication between boards and stakeholders. While often operating behind the scenes, governance experts regard them as key custodians of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
According to REDI, effective corporate governance remains one of the strongest indicators investors consider when assessing business environments. Strong governance structures help create confidence among investors by promoting transparency, predictable decision-making, and regulatory compliance.
REDI Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sikhomba Gumbi, said the convention is intended to elevate the profile of company secretaries and highlight their contribution to building resilient institutions and sustainable economic growth.
“The role of company secretaries has evolved significantly over the years. They are no longer simply administrators but strategic governance professionals who support boards in navigating increasingly complex regulatory and business environments,” he said.
The two-day programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and technical workshops covering corporate law developments, boardroom ethics, risk management, digital governance, compliance, and emerging governance standards.
Participants will also examine the implications of evolving governance frameworks, including the implementation of modern corporate governance principles and best practices that are increasingly shaping organisations across the region and globally.
Beyond professional development, the convention aims to raise public awareness about the importance of governance and the role company secretaries play in institutions ranging from state-owned enterprises and listed companies to non-profit organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises.