By Zamandulo Ntshalintshali
Team Eswatini, the committee responsible for representing Eswatini at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, is gearing up for the Kingdom’s National Day on June 3.
The build-up to this cultural showcase will involve a series of activities featuring Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, and the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mabulala Maseko, along with a public and private sector delegation from Eswatini.
According to a press release issued by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), proceedings will commence with a tour led by the Prime Minister and other delegates, who will explore pavilions from various countries around the world. This will be followed by a welcome reception on June 2.
The National Day Celebrations and Business Forum will take place on June 3, beginning with an “Eswatini Open for Business Forum” aimed at positioning the country as a prime destination for trade, investment, and tourism.
The National Day celebration will include a dinner featuring entertainment from Eswatini, alongside brief speeches from key members of the Kingdom’s delegation.
Performances by Swazi artist Nomzamo and a cultural dance group will add to the festivities. Following National Day, tours of other nations’ pavilions will continue over the following days.
Sibani Mngomezulu, the Chief Executive Officer of EIPA and Commissioner General of Team Eswatini, described the upcoming activities as an opportunity for Eswatini to showcase what EmaSwati are capable of.
“We get to promote not only our business and export capability but also our value as an investment destination, a tourist destination, and a cultural location like no other in Africa,” Mngomezulu said.
Expo 2025 is a global event running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, aiming to gather innovators from around the world to discover and develop breakthrough technologies and ideas.
It also aims to stimulate regional economies and promote networking opportunities while addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The partnerships that have made Eswatini’s participation in Expo 2025 possible include:
Exhibitors: Ngwenya Glass, Swazi Candles, Tintsaba Crafts, Gone Rural, Rosecraft, Mtrios Woodwork, Busy Hands
Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) – Expo Liaison Agency
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade – Lead coordinating Ministry through the Industry Department
Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs- Tourism Department
Eswatini Tourism Authority
Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC)
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture – Eswatini National Arts and Culture Council
Ministry of Economic Planning and Development – SDGs Department
Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology
Royal Science and Technology Park
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Ministry of Agriculture – NAMBOARD
National Youth Chamber of Commerce
Fair and Square
Business Support Organisations