Advertisement Eswatini Opposition Pushes for China Ties to Unlock Economic GrowthEswatinis opposition leaders have intensified calls for the kingdom to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China, arguing that such a move could unlock new economic opportunities and accelerate inclusive development.Led by senior officials of the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the campaign urges the government to adopt the One China policy and reposition the countrys foreign policy to attract greater investment, industrialisation, and regional trade.According to PUDEMO National Treasurer and human rights activist Valephi Mamba, the opposition believes a diplomatic reset would benefit ordinary citizens rather than a select few.We are ready to support Eswatini in building relations with Beijing for the sake of economic development and broad-based prosperity, Mamba said. Decades of diplomatic ties with Taiwan have not translated into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary people.He said senior PUDEMO leaders, including President Mlungisi Makhanya and Deputy President Wandile Dludlu, have already travelled to Beijing for consultations on recognising the One China policy and exploring opportunities in trade, investment, and industrial development.Mamba explained that the engagements were coordinated from neighbouring South Africa because of resistance from Eswatinis political leadership.Despite the long-standing relationship with Taiwan, the countrys leadership continues to ignore the limited economic returns that ordinary citizens have experienced, he said.Eswatini Opposition Pushes for China Ties to Unlock Economic GrowthOpposition Calls for Broader Economic BenefitsMamba argues that the current diplomatic relationship largely benefits the monarchy and politically connected elites while leaving many citizens behind.The public increasingly views Taiwans support as something captured by a narrow elite, he said. Our priority should be creating jobs, reducing poverty, and expanding opportunities for everyone. Transparent partnerships with China could help achieve those goals.He believes Chinese investment could strengthen manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, and small businesses if implemented under clear governance structures.According to Mamba, Eswatini should focus on partnerships that stimulate production, create employment, and improve household incomes rather than projects with limited direct economic impact.Concerns Over Strategic Oil ReserveMamba also questioned Taiwans recently announced US$300 million Strategic Oil Reserve Facility at Phuzumoya.While acknowledging its contribution to energy security, he argued that the project would do little to address the countrys immediate economic challenges.An oil reserve does not feed families or create the number of decent jobs that Eswatini urgently needs, he said. Investments of this scale should target labour-intensive industries, agro-processing, infrastructure, and financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.He added that such sectors have greater potential to stimulate inclusive economic growth and reduce unemployment.Mamba further criticised what he described as a contradiction between Taiwans democratic values and its continued support for Eswatinis absolute monarchy.In our view, that relationship has neither encouraged democratic reforms nor expanded opportunities for broader political participation, he said.Accountability Must Remain CentralAlthough Mamba supports stronger ties with China, he stressed that any future partnership must prioritise transparency, accountability, and public oversight.Any shift toward Beijing must come with strong accountability mechanisms, he said. Otherwise, we simply change diplomatic partners while peoples lives remain exactly the same.He argued that Eswatinis limited oversight structures make it difficult to ensure development resources reach citizens regardless of where investment originates.According to Mamba, future agreements should include measurable development targets, public reporting, and safeguards against misuse of resources.Foreign Policy and DevelopmentMamba believes Eswatini has reached a defining moment in its foreign policy.He urged policymakers to evaluate international partnerships based on measurable economic outcomes rather than historical diplomatic relationships.Eswatini should reassess its international alignment and pursue stronger relations with China as part of a long-term strategy for industrialisation and regional integration, he said.The real question is simple. Will ordinary citizens enjoy better livelihoods five years from now? If the answer is no, then the policy has failed.As debate over Eswatinis diplomatic future intensifies, PUDEMO continues to advocate for a foreign policy centred on economic transformation, job creation, and inclusive growth.The opposition believes the country has an opportunity to reposition itself within a changing global landscape while strengthening regional trade and attracting new investment.This is not simply about geopolitics, Mamba concluded. It is about putting food on peoples tables, building industries, creating jobs, and ensuring Eswatinis future benefits all its people.The writer is Rading Biko, a freelance journalist with China Daily Global Newspaper.The post Eswatini Opposition Pushes for China Ties to Unlock Economic Growth appeared first on Africa Business News.