Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini on Saturday, May 2, 2026, for a state visit that brought together two nations bound by 58 years of diplomatic loyalty, and by Sunday, May 3, the engagements had moved from a technology park in Nokwane to royal residences and a theatre filled with thousands of emaSwati.
The visit had been delayed by logistical setbacks the previous week, making the eventual arrival all the more significant. When His Majesty King Mswati III and President Lai Ching-te finally met, the two leaders shared a warm and deep embrace, a moment that went beyond the formality of flags and officials standing at attention. It was a gesture that said more than any prepared statement could.
Sunday morning began at the Royal Science and Technology Park at Nokwane, the site earmarked for the Taiwan Industrial and Innovation Park. The Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya,
was on hand to receive President Lai, who was briefed on the progress of that project as well as the Strategic Oil Reserve initiative. Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo addressed those gathered after the site visit, telling them that “these initiatives are pillars of our economic advancement and enduring symbols of the mutually beneficial relations between our two nations,” and that “this partnership remains a cornerstone of our development agenda, and we look forward to continued collaboration and shared prosperity.”
The Strategic Oil Reserve project is expected to strengthen energy security while integrating locally produced bioethanol for sustainability. The Taiwan Industrial and Innovation Park is set to drive industrialisation, diversify the economy and create employment, with construction anticipated to begin soon.
From Nokwane, President Lai’s programme moved to the Ludzidzini Royal Residence in Lobamba, where Her Majesty the Indlovukazi received him for a courtesy call. Gifts were exchanged, and the atmosphere carried the warmth of a relationship built over many years. Among those present were Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Shakantu, and Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung.
The delegation then made its way to the ICC Ezulwini Palazzo, where His Majesty King Mswati III and President Lai, together with their respective delegates and Cabinet Ministers, took an exclusive tour of the facility. Guiding them through the landmark development were Inyatsi Group Chairperson Michelo Shakantu and Prince Mcwasho. The Palazzo, with its blend of cultural heritage and modern architecture, drew visible admiration from the visiting delegation.
At a dinner held at the ICC following the tour, President Lai described His Majesty King Mswati III as visionary, courageous and kind, and reaffirmed Taiwan’s continued commitment to supporting Eswatini.
His Majesty, speaking to the delegation during the state banquet, captured what the visit meant for both nations. “The significance of friendship and collaboration between our nations, expressing hope for strengthened ties and shared prosperity in the presence of the royal family. This gathering celebrated the rich cultural exchanges that unite us,” he said.
The evening carried the state visit into a national celebration. Thousands of emaSwati filled the Ezulwini Palazzo for the Ruby Jubilee Celebration Theatre Première, marking 40 years of His Majesty’s reign. Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta Simelane announced that His Majesty had directed that entry be free of charge for all emaSwati, with refunds issued to those who had already bought tickets. Free complimentary tickets were made available through the Moja platform, with gates opening at 17:30. Additional parking was arranged at Lugogo Sun, the Central Bank of Eswatini, and Greyhound, with shuttle services connecting those points to the ICC.
The evening opened with a documentary tracing the life of His Majesty from childhood to the present day, followed by a theatre play that brought the same story to life on stage, turning the night into a blend of film, performance and history.
The state visit, covering ground from Nokwane to Lobamba to Ezulwini, strengthened a 58-year partnership built across agriculture, education, economic development and energy security, and left little doubt that Eswatini and Taiwan intend to keep building on what they have together.
