Special salutations to His Royal Majesty Mswati III, Ngwenyama[1] of the Great Ngwane[2]. I go by the name Caleale Goodridge, and am a student of Ithaca College. I must first congratulate you on a healthy and strong reign over your country, preventing any breakout of civil war which has ruptured in many other states throughout the continent. I must also congratulate you on your efforts, such as retaining a higher literacy rate within the continent and diversifying Swaziland’s economy. However, it is not say that such strides have come about easily, especially when one puts the fact that you are the sole ruler of the nation into retrospect. Needless to say, this leaves you faced with a great deal of responsibilities and tasks to address. Such an abundance of duties are seemingly impossible to all meet. Contrary to the discourse of the international community on Swaziland, I do not wish to use this opportunity to badger His Majesty, but rather offer a suggestion as to how Swaziland can develop itself economically.
Despite its relatively small size, Swaziland is blessed with immensely fertile soil. That said; though it cannot be a major exporter in terms of agriculture, it can utilize the infrastructure it already has and further expand its prowess in food and textile processing. However the main factor that can help Swaziland achieve these capabilities is one that is controversial, yet the benefits that come from it is vast. This “key” if you will, comes in the form of a plant that can well be Swaziland’s premium crop. Hemp, not to be confused with marijuana (or ‘dagga’), is an extremely versatile plant and can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used for the production of clothing, paper, textiles, even building materials, food products, and fuel. Not to mention that Swaziland has the perfect climate to help sustain the growth of hemp. With a combination of fertile soil and perfect temperature, Swaziland is well poised to take advantage of such an equation and profit from it tremendously.
Though the opportunities may be immense, it would also help to go more into depth of the capabilities of hemp. Chemicals from the oils found in the seeds and stalks of hemp, can be used in the production of bio-fuel. Bio-fuels are a series of fuel types that are made from renewable energy sources, usually plants. Given that hemp is an extremely durable and versatile plant (along with the fact that the country has limited natural resources), Swaziland wouldn’t have to settle with importing crude oil products, for it can utilize its reserves of hemp derived bio-fuels. Hemp can also be beneficial to the budget, particularly when one weighs in the ever rising costs of commodities. Hemp can be harvested two, even three times annually. That said, it would make costs on commodities cheaper (should His Majesty be obliged to ensure that there is accommodation for the mass cultivation of hemp) since it grows at a quick rate, which can help enable Swaziland to maintain its competitiveness thus enabling sectors such as textiles and food processing to expand in terms of production output. However, it also pays to be strategic in planning how Swaziland would go about this process, particularly when it comes to diplomacy.
By establishing economic ties through diplomacy, Swaziland would be taking strategic steps to securing its financial future. Currently China is the largest producer of hemp. If Your Majesty were to work towards building an economic system that encouraged the growth of domestic businesses that cultivate hemp, the price and rate of production would prove to be attractive for investors to ignore. However, it is not to say that the foreign investors should be the ones to make all the guidelines. Swaziland should issue demands that make investors accountable for upholding Swazi interests, such as requiring foreign companies to pay their employees that a “livable wage”. In order to remain tactical in creating stronger economic ties, it would also be of great benefit to Swaziland if it were to establish itself as a major trading hub of Africa. If Swaziland were to build roads that connected it to major routes in South Africa and Mozambique (particularly routes that link to ports), it would not only ensure the ease of transport of goods, but the cheap costs of transport could potentially be eye-catching for Chinese investors.
Not only should His Majesty set his prospects on China, but nations within the continent as well. By the time Swaziland has already managed to reel in enough investors, Swaziland should then begin to export to Nigeria. I mention Nigeria because it is the most populous nation in the continent, and is currently the continent’s third fastest growing economy, making it well poised to become one of the world’s 30 largest economies. Chinese manufactured textiles have ravaged Nigeria’s textile industry due to their low prices. However, should Swaziland export her textiles through China (along with being able to keep up with Chinese demand), China would begin to import more from Swaziland which then leads to Swazi products infiltrating the Nigerian market. Needless to say, the benefits would be even more immense, hence it can add to Swaziland’s competitive edge.
That said, I must acknowledge that ensuring these possibilities could add to the stress of His Majesty, however I am also aware that His Majesty is willing to make sacrifices for his people. I’m sure that His majesty would do all that he can to remedy the nation’s 69% poverty rate. If accommodating homegrown businesses would require too much money, then perhaps His Majesty should implement a system that is reminiscent of Saudi Arabia’s, turn the country itself into an asset. Currently the Saudi Royal family controls key sectors within its economy (i.e. oil, petroleum). That said, if His Majesty were to establish a corporation (or corporations) that worked on a national scale, it will not only encourage economic activity and increase revenues, but it can also help enable His Majesty to provide a living standard that allows economic mobility for His people. By this time, His Majesty would be noted for his commitment and diligence, and will be remembered for how he had helped transform his nation and its people for the better.
Your Majesty may ask what if Swaziland will gain so much prominence, that it won’t be able to keep up with demand due to its limited space. As mentioned before, diplomacy is key, especially when it comes to making strategic strides. That said, I have noted that Lesotho and South Africa are primary trading partners of Swaziland. I would advise that His Majesty use diplomacy in order to have the company/companies expand to Lesotho and South Africa, allowing it to exploit their lands in order to help sustain hemp growth. Luckily, Lesotho and South Africa have the right climates to grow hemp. Also, the SACU (Southern African Customs Union) and the SADC (Southern African Development Community) already puts Swaziland at an advantage to remain competitive, for her membership of these unions would give her goods preferential treatment in the previously named markets (particularly South Africa) thus allowing the company/companies to grow further, along with the economy.
In essence, my suggestion works more so as a plan. I cannot go into greater detail of the logistics (mathematically speaking) of how things can go about. As mentioned before, I do not wish to badger His Majesty, but lend a suggestion as to how your nation can grow and develop. The decision as to whether or not this idea can be brought to life, rests solely with his Majesty. However, time is of the essence. Should this plan be implemented, the benefits can be enormous. The international community will no longer make a spectacle out of Swaziland’s 42.6% HIV/AIDS infection rate, for the economy would grow to a point in which the issue would be quelled. And your people will forever mark you as their most munificent and benevolent ruler. I’m sure that after realizing these prospects, His Majesty will make sure that his ministers and other aids see to it that this plan is enforced accordingly. That is, if His Majesty does indeed decide to give this plan a try.
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