His Majesty King Mswati IIIof the Kingdom of Eswatini says the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must accelerate the implementation of programs that aim to increase the volume of trade among the Member States and thereby improve the livelihoods of the citizens of the Community.

His Majesty King Mswati was speaking when he received a courtesy call from the Executive Secretary of SADC, His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi.

The courtesy call is part of the Executive Secretary of SADC's program to introduce himself to the region's Heads of State and Government, share his ideas about a sustainable approach to expedite regional integration, achieve security and peace, as well as seek guidance and direction from the region's leadership.

The SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias, highlighted that during his tenure, unblocking the bottlenecks which slowed regional integration, industrialization, and easy access to markets in the region is among his priority.

H.E. Magosi said that some of the SADC Protocols are not in force as they are yet to be ratified by the required two-thirds majority and that he has started to engage the Member States to support in processes to ensure the Protocols become operational.

His Majesty King Mswati III welcomed the SADC Executive Secretary and his proposals and assured him of the support of the Kingdom of Eswatini on his ideas and the proposed approach to expedite regional integration and industrialization in the Community.

His Majesty King Mswati III told the Executive Secretary that studies still show that there is not much intra-regional trading taking place within the region, so change is needed, and develop programs that will promote easy trading among the countries to improve the economy.

SADC's main objectives are to achieve peace, development, and security, alleviate poverty, and economic growth, support the socially disadvantaged through regional integration and enhance the standard and quality of life of the people of Southern Africa.