The arts industry has welcomed His Majesty King Mswati III’s update on the International Convention Centre (ICC), describing it as a turning point for the country’s cultural future.
When His Majesty announced during the State Opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament that the International Convention Centre (ICC) had been completed and would be commissioned during the April 24 celebrations, the statement resonated far beyond infrastructure.
For the creative industry, it sounded like opportunity knocking.
Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), Stanley Dlamini, did not hide his excitement.
Speaking after the King’s Speech, Dlamini said the arts sector was encouraged by progress on the ICC and the planned hotel that will complement the facility.
“We are excited as a sector,” Dlamini said.
“Such facilities will play a huge role in elevating the entertainment scene in the country.”
The ICC, once fully operational, is expected to provide a world-class platform for conferences, exhibitions and large-scale cultural showcases.
For years, local promoters and arts administrators have pointed to the lack of suitable venues as a stumbling block in attracting international productions and hosting global cultural gatherings.
Dlamini revealed that Eswatini has already partnered with a number of countries on arts and cultural exchanges. However, limited infrastructure has often been a challenge when bidding to host major events.
“One of our key challenges has been facilities such as the ICC. With its completion, we can now confidently offer to host world cultural events,” he said.
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The addition of a hotel to complement the ICC is seen as equally significant.
According to Dlamini, accommodation and conferencing facilities go hand in hand when positioning a country as a competitive destination for international events.
Industry players believe the development could unlock new economic streams for:
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Artists
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Event organisers
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Technical crews
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Service providers
From music festivals and theatre productions to art fairs and film screenings, the possibilities are wide-ranging.
Beyond the economic impact, Dlamini said the development signals recognition of the arts as a serious contributor to national growth.
He expressed optimism that the ICC will not only attract global audiences but also provide local creatives with a stage that matches their talent.
