Esibayeni Lodge, Ezulwini — 29 August 2025. The Minister of Tinkhundla Administration & Development, Hon. S’khumbuzo Dlamini, today briefed journalists on the Kingdom of Eswatini’s preparations to host a historic gathering of African traditional leaders from 4–9 September 2025 under the banner of the African Indigenous Governance Council (AIGC).

Opening the briefing, officials underscored that the visiting kings, queens, chiefs, and senior traditional authorities will be guests of His Majesty King Mswati III, with multi-sector working teams mobilised “to portray the Kingdom in a very positive way” throughout the week’s programme. The Minister emphasized that this will be the first time such a large and diverse assembly of traditional leaders convenes under one roof to position ancestral governance as a vital partner in building a just, peaceful, and prosperous Africa—while safeguarding cultural heritage and advancing roles in peace, reconciliation, and community development. 

According to the Minister, the meeting will:

• Advance the recognition of indigenous governance at the African Union and global levels. 
• Provide time to progress a Traditional Leaders’ Declaration on Reparations, aligned with the AU’s 2025 theme, and to plan toward a continental conference in 2026 (agenda, logistics, and timelines). 
• Consider a formal request inviting His Majesty King Mswati III to serve as champion and host of the first continental conference of traditional leaders. 

The Minister also reflected on how, post-independence, some African states diminished the role and authority of traditional leadership, noting Eswatini’s distinctive path in upholding its indigenous governance systems within a modern state—a point of resonance for visiting leaders seeking to restore pre-colonial institutional strengths while embracing democratic values. 

The forum’s agenda connects directly to the enabling environment mefor inclusive growth:

• Land governance & community trust: Traditional leaders are central to land access, dispute resolution, and tenure clarity—cornerstones for farm investment.
• Local service delivery: Chiefs and councils help coordinate extension services, input distribution, and climate-smart infrastructure at community level.
• Indigenous knowledge: Safeguarding cultural heritage also protects agro-ecological wisdom, seed systems, and rangeland stewardship practices that reduce risk for smallholders.
• Peace & resilience: Conflict mediation and social cohesion underpin market stability, cross-border trade corridors, and investment in value chains.

Week-at-a-Glance (4–9 Sept)

• High-level convening of kings/queens/chiefs under the AIGC.
• Working sessions on recognition, policy advocacy, and the reparations declaration.
• Preparations toward a 2026 continental conference (program and logistics).
• Cultural immersion alongside national festivities to showcase Eswatini’s heritage. 

Media note: The Minister invited all media houses to cover proceedings and outcomes across the week. Agribusiness Media will track announcements and publish key takeaways for the sector—particularly where decisions intersect with land, inputs, extension, market access, and climate adaptation in rural communities.