MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met today with Shinya Ishizuka, Chief Executive Officer of ITOCHU Corporation Africa Bloc, to explore new investment opportunities in Eswatini across several key sectors.
The meeting took place in Mbabane and was also attended by Alex Young, Group Strategy Officer of Texray Industrial Co., Ltd, Japan. The visit forms part of ITOCHU’s Africa engagement efforts as the company looks to expand its footprint on the continent.
ITOCHU is one of Japan’s largest trading and investment firms, with operations in 61 countries and activities spanning textiles, machinery, metals, energy, chemicals, food, ICT, and real estate. 
Discussions between the Prime Minister and Mr Ishizuka centred on potential investment in energy and chemicals, mining, ICT, and agriculture. Eswatini’s potential for large-scale sesame and coffee farming for export also formed part of the conversation.
Prime Minister Dlamini extended Eswatini’s invitation to ITOCHU, describing the kingdom as a reliable partner with a supportive investment climate. He also referenced his recent official visit to Japan, where he met Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, who pledged support in linking Japanese investors with Eswatini and extended an invitation to His Majesty King Mswati III to attend the upcoming TICAD 9 summit this August.
