PRESS RELEASE
EZULWINI – His Majesty King Mswati III on Saturday, 26 April 2026 officially opened the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini, naming the landmark facility Ezulwini Palazzo in a ceremony that marked a defining moment in the Kingdom’s journey towards becoming a premier destination for global conferences, tourism and high-value business events.
The official opening formed part of the 40/58 Double Celebration, marking His Majesty’s 40 years on the Throne and His 58th Birthday.
A World-Class Manager for a World-Class Facility
His Majesty announced that Ezulwini Palazzo would be operated by Palazzo Hospitality, a Dubai-based luxury hospitality management company trusted with running the facility to an international standard. Founded in 2019, Palazzo Hospitality was established to manage luxury hotels, residential properties and lifestyle brands, with a mission to reinvent the world of personalised luxury. The company is best known for managing Palazzo Versace Dubai, one of the most sought-after ultra-luxury properties in the UAE.
With Africa among its preferred regions for global expansion, the appointment to manage Ezulwini Palazzo marks a significant entry point for the brand onto the continent. His Majesty said Palazzo Hospitality had already been tested through the opening event itself and had demonstrated the standard expected — delivering an ambience comparable to Dubai and giving guests a world-class experience at the Kingdom’s doorstep.
A Vision Come to Life
The historic occasion was attended by Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Presiding Officers of Parliament, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and distinguished guests from across the region and the world.
High-level guests included President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini of the Zulu Nation, Taiwan Foreign Minister Dr Lin Chia-lung, former President of Botswana Ian Khama, former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma and former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Joseph Kabila.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, in his opening remarks, paid tribute to His Majesty’s leadership and foresight in driving the development.
“After having seen the splendour of this building that we are enjoying and officially inaugurating tonight, it is fitting that His Majesty, the architect of this beautiful building, should deliver remarks and share with the nation and distinguished guests how He came to bear the vision of this place,” the Prime Minister said.
The programme began with a guided tour of the newly opened facility, led by Inyatsi Group Chairman Michelo Shakantu — whom His Majesty affectionately referred to as “Shabangu” in recognition of his role in leading the project. The tour took His Majesty and invited guests through the ICC’s state-of-the-art spaces, including modern dining halls, fully equipped conference rooms, a 200-seater meeting space and a world-class theatre designed for productions of international standard.
Following the tour, guests attended a gala dinner to mark the official opening, which also featured performances by local and international entertainers, including Nigerian-American Afrobeats superstar Davido (David Adedeji Adeleke).
His Majesty’s Address: A National Vision Fulfilled
In His address, His Majesty said the facility was the fulfilment of a national vision born in the early 2000s, when Eswatini began working towards developing a world-class convention and hospitality hub capable of placing the Kingdom on the global map.
“The great work that you have seen today is a result of a lot of cooperation and contributions from various sectors and stakeholders, which has resulted in this marvellous work of art,” His Majesty said.
The King reflected on lessons drawn from visits to Nevada in the United States, where world-class hospitality infrastructure had demonstrated extraordinary economic power — noting that even on a difficult day, a single major facility could generate approximately US$2 million in a single hour. His Majesty said such examples reinforced why nations must invest boldly in infrastructure capable of attracting visitors, generating sustained revenue and transforming economies over time.
He further highlighted exhibitions held as part of the opening, showcasing local brands including jewellery, fashion, clothing and other premium products — demonstrating that the facility is aligned with the premium market and international clientele it is designed to attract.
Raffle Initiative to Support Hotel Completion
His Majesty placed strong emphasis on a raffle initiative designed to raise additional capital towards the completion of the hotel component of Ezulwini Palazzo.
Raffle tickets are valued at E200,000 each, and His Majesty encouraged participants to view their purchase not merely as a chance to win, but as a direct contribution to a national investment. Major prizes include luxury vehicles displayed during the opening, among them Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini models.
His Majesty explained that the ICC section had been officially opened to begin generating revenue immediately, while construction on the hotel component would continue — a phased approach designed to keep the development financially self-sustaining.
International Partnerships and Acknowledgements
His Majesty extended special appreciation to the Government and people of Taiwan for their support, noting that Taiwan’s Foreign Minister was present at the opening to represent the President of Taiwan. The King also acknowledged the Government of Eswatini, the architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, project managers and all teams who helped translate the vision into reality, as well as HRH Prince Mcwasho for his role in supporting the project.
Naming of the Facility
In naming the facility, His Majesty said the moment was akin to christening a child — the name must reflect the place where it was born. He said Ezulwini carries deep historical and spiritual meaning, translating as “heaven” in siSwati, and noted the area’s royal heritage and its place in international diplomacy through the Ezulwini Consensus, recognised within United Nations reform discussions.
His Majesty formally named the facility Ezulwini Palazzo, declaring the name befitting for a world-class institution born in a place of such significance.
Officially Open for Business
Declaring the facility open, His Majesty said the gates were now open and organisations wishing to host meetings and events could now proceed — Ezulwini Palazzo was ready to receive the world.
The opening marks a defining milestone in Eswatini’s tourism and hospitality story, positioning the Kingdom to host major international conferences, exhibitions, business summits and cultural events — and signalling to the world that Eswatini is open, ready and capable of competing on the global stage.
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Issued by the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini | 40/58 Double Celebration Communications | 40years.gov.sz
