King Mswati III of Eswatini has arrived in Ghana for a four-day state visit aimed at deepening economic and diplomatic ties between the two West and Southern African nations.

The monarch was received at Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday by President John Dramani Mahama, marking the beginning of high-level discussions on trade, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.

During the welcome ceremony, King Mswati III praised Ghana’s role as a beacon of African resilience and cultural heritage, describing the visit as a testament to enduring friendship between the nations.

“Ghana is known for its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and spirit of resilience – an inspiration to many countries across the African continent,” the king said, emphasising the importance of celebrating both unity and diversity amongst African states.

The visit comes as both countries seek to maximise opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with President Mahama highlighting the agreement’s potential to transform intra-African commerce.

“We are delighted to have signed the AfCFTA Protocol, which allows both countries to trade goods and services freely with each other,” President Mahama said, expressing optimism about strengthening economic partnerships.

The centrepiece of Tuesday’s proceedings was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two nations’ foreign ministers. Ghana’s Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Eswatini’s Pholile Shakantu formalised the agreement establishing a joint commission for bilateral cooperation.

President Mahama, drawing on Ghana’s liberation heritage, invoked the pan-African vision of founding president Kwame Nkrumah whilst calling for renewed commitment to continental solidarity.

The Eswatini delegation’s visit is expected to explore opportunities in infrastructure development, tourism, and investment, with both leaders emphasising the potential for mutual learning and experience sharing.

Following the Accra meetings, King Mswati III travelled to the Ashanti Region where he was welcomed by regional officials and a delegation from Manhyia led by Nana Otuo Serebuo, the Juabenhene, alongside the Regional Security Council.

During the welcome ceremony in Kumasi, regional leaders emphasised the Ashanti Region’s strategic position in trade and industry, positioning it as ready to lead in the AfCFTA transformative agenda. Officials highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration between Eswatini and Ashanti in culture, education, and tourism.

The king’s itinerary includes a planned meeting with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace, as well as engagements with the National House of Chiefs.

King Mswati III’s state visit represents a significant diplomatic engagement as African nations increasingly look to strengthen South-South cooperation and reduce dependence on external partnerships.