The Kingdom of Eswatini, a country with vibrant nature located in the southern part of Africa, has officially confirmed its participation in the Expo 2027 Belgrade, with the theme "Play for Humanity: Sports and Music for All".

Eswatini, one of the smallest countries in continental Africa, which changed its name from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018, celebrating 50 years of independence since 1968, first participated in International Exhibitions at Expo 1993 Daejeon, and will also showcase at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. It became a Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) member in 2007.

Cultural and Musical Heritage

Eswatini is known for traditional stone games such as Inketo, Intjuba, and Mlabalaba, which are widespread and popular, while traditional dances include Sibhaca, Ingadla, Ummiso, and Kutsamba. Traditional Swazi music, unique to Eswatini, is performed at various cultural events, such as the annual Umhlanga (Reed) Dance, held in August/September, Incwala or the Royal ceremony (also known as the “first fruits festival”), held in December/January, and the Buganu/Marula Festival, held in February/March. These ceremonies are essential for the unity of the Emaswati, a Bantu ethnic group that has long lived in Southern Africa, mainly in the area of Eswatini (between South Africa and Mozambique).

The most popular indigenous musical instrument in this country, with magnificent mountainous landscapes and unique, ancient forms of relief, is the makoyane, a musical bow played since the 19th century.

The MTN Bushfire Festival, held at the end of May of each year, is considered one of the biggest music festivals in Africa. International artists participate here. Some of Eswatini’s well-known musicians include Bholoja, Sandz, and Uncle Waffles.

The country boasts of being home to the second-largest monolith and the largest exposed granite pluton in the world, called the Sibebe Rock. This rock is visited by thousands of hikers each year.

The oldest known mathematical artifact (the Lebombo bone) was discovered in Eswatini.

Relations with Serbia

Serbia and Eswatini established official diplomatic relations in 1990 in New York, but contacts and cooperation between the two countries have existed since Eswatini gained independence in 1968, as part of the Non-Aligned Movement. So far, there have been mutual visits by state officials, signed instruments of bilateral cooperation, and Expo 2027 Belgrade is another opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations.

"The southern part of Africa has always attracted the attention of the world, both for its rich cultural tradition and picturesque nature. We are happy that Eswatini will bring its indigenous vision of the game, music, and sports to Belgrade, and that Serbia will be the center of their culture in 2027," said Dušan Borovčanin, CEO of Expo 2027 Belgrade.

Expo 2027 Belgrade will be held from May 15 to August 15, 2027, with the participation of more than 120 countries, international organizations, and companies. It is expected that the Serbian capital will attract over four million visitors during the 93 days of the event.