AFCFTA SECRETARIAT MEETS KING

LOZITHA – Come July, will Eswatini be the host country of the AfCFTA headquarters?

This rhetorical question emanates from the ongoing bid involving seven countries, Eswatini inclusive.
The other countries are Egypt, Madagascar, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Currently, the African Continental Free Trade Area secretariat is in the country to view the infrastructure and also find out more about the kingdom.
As part of their visit, the secretariat paid a courtesy visit to His Majesty King Mswati III at Mandvulo Grand Hall, yesterday.
The team, which is led by Rossette Nyirinkindi  Katungye had an opportunity to take pictures with his Majesty.

In a media briefing, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Under Secretary Jennifer Neves explained that the team spent some time at Sibekelo House, the former SRA building.

“That is the building government is giving to the secretariat.  We were showing them the facility and small details, such as how many toilets the building has; does it have generators; do we have water reservoirs. They were looking at the infrastructure to see if Eswatini would be able to host the secretariat,” she said.

accommodation

In addition to the building, Neves stated that the country would offer accommodation to the head of the secretariat and his directorate. 
She mentioned that they have  identified two houses at the judges’ complex which could be offered.

integrated

“Tomorrow (today), we will also be going to the Eswatini MTN office park to show them we are an integrated society in terms of telecommunication. We are also taking them to Ngwenya Glass. Then we will allow them to go for shopping, to experience how it would feel to reside in the country as a diplomat,” Neves said.

After visiting the country, Neves said the delegation would leave for Ghana.
She explained that Treasure Maphanga, who has been commissioned by His Majesty, would start to lobby other African countries on behalf of Eswatini.
Adding, Neves said Maphanga had been commissioned as a special envoy.

The chairperson of the local steering committee is Nathi Dlamini while Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo is the head of the Cabinet task team.

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