The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) has always been seen as a platform to promote business, investment, and development. But this year, instead of hope, it brought controversy. The decision by Zimbabwe to invite King Mswati III of Eswatini to the event has shocked many people. It was not just bad optics — it was a painful reminder that democracy in Africa is under serious threat.
King Mswati is Africa’s last absolute monarch. Since 1986, he has ruled Eswatini with full control over the country’s politics, economy, and courts. Political parties are banned. Protesters are jailed or even killed. The people of Eswatini live in fear, poverty, and silence. Under Mswati’s rule, there are no real elections, no freedom of speech, and no checks on power. It is the kind of leadership that belongs in the past — not at a modern trade event meant to promote progress.
Yet, despite all of this, Zimbabwe rolled out the red carpet for him. His invitation to the ZITF was not just a small error. It was a loud signal that Zimbabwe is comfortable embracing dictators. That is dangerous — not just for Zimbabwe, but for the whole region. It weakens efforts to build real democracy and human rights across Africa.
Zimbabwe itself has gone through many years of suffering under dictatorship. For decades, Robert Mugabe ruled with an iron fist. When Emmerson Mnangagwa took over, there was hope that things might change. But since then, opposition has been crushed, journalists arrested, and elections rigged. The situation today is not very different from the Mugabe years. And now, by welcoming Mswati, Mnangagwa is showing that he stands with autocrats, not with the people.
The ZITF should be a chance to bring new ideas and real partnerships. It should be a platform for innovation, growth, and building a better Africa. But by inviting a known dictator like Mswati, the message became clear — human rights and democracy are not a priority. Instead, power protects power. Tyrants shake hands while the people suffer in silence.
Across Africa, democracy is being pushed backwards. More and more leaders are refusing to leave office. Opposition voices are being silenced. Civil society groups are being crushed. And when one African leader embraces another autocrat, it encourages others to do the same. It becomes normal. It becomes accepted. That is why this moment matters.
The situation in Eswatini is not far from what many African countries are experiencing. One man holds all the power. The poor get poorer. The rich get richer. Anyone who speaks out gets jailed or beaten. And yet these leaders are still invited to high-level events, still treated with respect, still praised in public.
Zimbabwe should have taken a stand. It should have chosen to show that democracy matters. That human rights matter. That the people of Africa deserve better. Instead, it chose to celebrate a dictator — and in doing so, it turned its back on millions of Africans who are fighting every day for freedom and justice.
It is time for African countries to stop protecting each other’s worst leaders. It is time to stop pretending that everything is okay. The truth is, our continent will never move forward while we keep embracing men like King Mswati. Real development comes from democracy, transparency, and respect for the people.
Zimbabwe’s decision to host Mswati at ZITF has made one thing clear — the fight for democracy in Africa is far from over. It is a reminder that we must stay alert, speak up, and demand better. Because if we don’t, the dictators will keep winning. And the people will keep losing.