Palazzo sparking business revival

EZULWINI Palazzo International Convention Centre is emerging as a potential catalyst for business growth, with major international events creating opportunities for Eswatini’s tourism and service industries.

The hosting of the African Union (AU) Seed Summit last week, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)-European Union Parliamentary Assembly in May, and the facility’s official opening celebrations have strengthened expectations that the venue could help revive businesses beyond the traditional hospitality sector.

Economist and University of Eswatini lecturer Sanele Sibiya believes the Palazzo could open new opportunities for local enterprises as Eswatini positions itself to attract more continental and international gatherings.

“The conferences that have taken place at the country Palazzo ICC have caused a resurgence in the local hospitality industry this year. This sector of tourism had been struggling for a while,” he said.

Sibiya said visitors typically spend on accommodation, food, sightseeing, souvenirs and other services, allowing the economic benefits of major gatherings to extend beyond the conference venue.

He identified language translation and interpretation services, private security, car rentals, sound systems and entertainment as businesses that could benefit from increased demand.

“I see such a service coming back, in addition to private security, car rental, sound system, entertainment and many more,” he said, referring to language services.

The Palazzo was officially opened on April 26, during celebrations marking His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40 years on the throne and 58th birthday. It subsequently hosted the OACPS-EU Parliamentary Assembly in May, bringing together legislators from Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Europe, before welcoming delegates to the inaugural AU Seed Summit from October 5 to 7.

The three events have placed the facility at the centre of Eswatini’s efforts to attract business tourism and international engagement.

Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka said the Seed Summit provided an economic boost, with more than 1 000 delegates booking flights into the kingdom and spending on hotel accommodation, food, clothing, souvenirs and other goods and services.

He said many hotels were fully booked during the gathering, adding that the economic gains needed to be considered alongside the cost of hosting the event.

“The fundraising that happened was meant to lessen the burn on government, not necessarily to cover the full cost,” Tshawuka stated.

Eswatini mobilised approximately E8 million towards the summit, which includes about E7.8 million from AU partners and E1 million raised locally, according to the minister.

For the economist, the opportunity extends beyond immediate visitor spending. He said the Palazzo had demonstrated the country’s capacity to host international events, potentially attracting conferences organised by private companies and non-governmental organisations.

However, he indicated that the wider business benefits would depend on whether local enterprises could capitalise on the opportunities. “Emaswati need to wake up to the many opportunities to unfold,” he emphasised.