His Majesty King Mswati III

His Majesty King Mswati III (born Prince Makhosetive on 19 April 1968) is the King & Ingwenyama of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Head of the Nation. He was educated at Masundvwini Royal School and in Sherbourne, North-West Dorset, in the United Kingdom. He was crowned as King and Ingwenyama of the Kingdom of Eswatini on 25th April, 1986 at the age of 18, thus becoming the youngest ruling Monarch in the world at the time.

As Africa’s last absolute monarch, King Mswati III governs through traditional customs and a modern constitutional framework. His reign has focused on economic development, education, and cultural preservation, though it has also faced criticism over political reforms and governance. Under his leadership, Eswatini has seen investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and telecommunications, including the launch of Eswatini Air in 2023.

A staunch defender of Swazi culture, the king upholds the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) and Incwala ceremonies, key symbols of national identity. His polygamous marriages, in line with tradition, have been both celebrated and scrutinized.

Internationally, he maintains ties with regional blocs like SADC and the African Union, while balancing relations with global partners. In 2018, he renamed the country Eswatini, reclaiming its pre-colonial identity.

King Mswati III remains a pivotal figure in Eswatini’s socio-political landscape, blending tradition with contemporary challenges as the nation navigates its future. Long live the Ngwenyama! 🇸🇿