MALABO – Leaders of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States have applauded His Majesty King Mswati III after he secured €12.8 million, about E255 million, in contributions for the bloc, surpassing the initial €10 million target by €2.8 million.
The commendations came during engagements of the 79 member states, where the King is serving as the organisation’s Resource Mobilisation Champion. Leaders credited him with steering the fundraising drive that brought in funds aimed at strengthening the financial sustainability of the body.
OACPS leaders described the King’s efforts as marked by “steadfast commitment, strategic leadership and proactive engagement in advancing both immediate and long-term solutions to strengthen the organisation’s financial sustainability.” 
Tanzania’s Vice President Dr Emmanuel John Nchimbi, whose country contributed one million Euros, was among those who praised the King’s role. He said no one was better suited to lead the mobilisation effort, adding that His Majesty’s appointment had the backing of all 79 member states.
OACPS Secretary General Moussa Saleh Batraki expressed gratitude for what he termed a timely intervention, stating that without the King’s involvement, the organisation would have struggled to keep operations running at its Brussels offices.
Patrick Achi, President of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly, also welcomed the outcome of the initiative. He said African leaders were pleased with His Majesty’s leadership in mobilising resources and pledged their continued support to both the King and the organisation.
As part of the drive, His Majesty pledged 1.5 million Euros. Equatorial Guinea contributed 5 million Euros, Angola pledged 3 million Euros, while Mozambique committed 1 million Euros. Additional pledges were made during a roundtable session facilitated by the King, pushing the total amount raised beyond the €12.8 million already secured.
