President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will visit Eswatini from April 22 - 27, his first visit since taking office. Lai will lead a delegation in response to the invitation of King Mswati III both to celebrate the king’s birthday and ascension to the throne. Eswatini is Taiwan's only African ally, with this year marking 58 years of diplomatic relations.

The trip was announced by the Presidential Office Monday, April 13, where Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) explained that the theme of the president’s visit will be on celebrating mutual success focusing on three areas: common good, economic prosperity, and digital prosperity.

Both countries have cooperated in areas including agriculture, education and women’s empowerment, with future cooperation focusing on constructing Eswatini’s strategic oil reserve facility. This project will improve the country’s energy security and sustainable development. 

Concerning economics, Taiwan will promote the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park, located in Eswatini, which will help Taiwanese businesses expand globally and connect with the African market. It will also create more local job opportunities, laying the foundations for future strategic partnerships.

Digital prosperity efforts will center around helping Eswatini implement smart healthcare and telemedical systems, bridging the digital divide, and overcoming geographical limitations. 

Deputy Foreign Minister FrançoisWu Chih-chung (吳志中) explained that the delegation's trip will include meetings in an official capacity, as well as ceremonial events. President Lai will also host a banquet for overseas Taiwanese in Eswatini and southern Africa.

The trip is President Lai’s first visit to Eswatini as president and his second overseas trip since his election. Wu clarified that the President will not pass through the Middle East while travelling, as safety remains a top priority and regional tensions are still high.