African expats feel “at home” in Eswatini

By Nokukhanya Musi-Aimienoho

Thousands of women from across Africa have settled in Eswatini to practice their professions and contribute to the local economy.

Among them are Kenyan entrepreneurs, Zimbabwean nurses, Zambian teachers, Mozambican housekeepers, and Ethiopian doctors. These professionals are weaving a narrative of collaboration, innovation, and exchange.

At the heart of this exchange, the expatriates bring with them cherished traditions, cuisines, and practices that enrich the local Swazi culture.

Adeola Okebanjo, the Nigerian owner of Dee’s Restaurant, introduced the Swazi people to her native culinary delights.

“The Swazis love my food. I provide Nigerian food in Eswatini, and the people love it,” she said.

Okebanjo moved from Nigeria in 2010, and found a space to serve in the hospitality sector.

Diverse cuisines, ranging from Nigerian to Zambian and Mozambican dishes, enrich the local food scene, fostering cross-cultural connections between residents and visitors.

“We must recognize the vital role of female migrants in our society and ensure that policies support their contributions,” said Lindiwe Simelane, Acting Head of the Eswatini Office of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

According to Simelane, Eswatini has robust national frameworks and policies for migration governance.

“Owing to relatively better economic conditions than some countries in the region, Eswatini attracts migrants seeking employment opportunities and family reunification. According to the African Development Bank Group, Eswatini’s economy grew from 0.5% in 2022 to an estimated 4.8% in 2023, driven by the stronger performance of the services sector.

The majority of migrants in Eswatini are of reproductive and working age, primarily between 30 and 39 years old. While approximately 90% of male migrants are employed, around 80% of female migrants hold jobs, often in professional sectors, which highlights the essential role of women in driving development through migration, contributing to both social and economic progress,” she explained.

However, Simelane points out that the lack of accurate data on migration poses challenges in understanding the full impact of migrant women on development in Eswatini.

In March this year, Eswatini launched the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) with help from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and IOM. The goal was to improve how labour migration is managed, making sure that moving for work is safe and orderly.

The policy will improve data systems for labour migration, support migrant workers and their families, engage with those living abroad, as well as work with different government sectors, social partners, and civil society and labour groups.

In the healthcare and education systems, African foreign nationals have made a valuable contribution.

Kathy Sichilaba, the principal of Luyando Preschool, reflected on her journey from her native country, Zambia, to Eswatini over two decades ago.

“When I arrived in 2000, I was filled with hope. I found work at Kazakhali Private School, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching my students grow into successful professionals—doctors, lawyers, teachers. This isn’t just a job for me,” she shares.

Sichilaba tackled the struggles of adapting to a new culture.

Inspired by her own experience, she devised for her students various lessons on local culture as well as cultures from around the world.

Zimbabwe-born Dr. Joyce Sibanda has advanced her career into a vital public health role.

“Eswatini feels like home to me. The supportive environment allowed me to pursue my master’s and work on impactful health projects,” she said.

Dr. Sibanda’s journey exemplifies how expatriates not only seek personal career advancement but also contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their adopted communities.

Sibanda, who also served as the kingdom’s National TB/HIV Community Services Coordinator, said upon her arrival in Eswatini, she never felt disconnected because the Swazi people made her feel at home from the very beginning.
“I came to Eswatini with my nursing qualifications, with my first degree. And over time, I pursued my master’s in public health and took on the local philosophy of working with communities, respecting culture, teamwork, and empowering people, all of which are key for good public health leadership, thanks to the supportive learning environment provided here,” she said.

She was able to engage with the country’s ministry of health to initiative numerous projections.

As the National TB/HIV Community Services Coordinator in Eswatini, Dr. Sibanda worked hard to manage TB and HIV, big health issues in Eswatini. She has helped lower the rates of these diseases and boost community health. She also played a key role in teaching people about preventing and treating TB and HIV to make better health choices.

In this role, Dr. Sibanda has made healthcare more accessible to those who need it. This includes organizing healthcare workers and making sure testing and treatment programs are available, very important for early help. With her understanding of local cultures, she helped develop health programs that connect with the community.

Janet Tetteh Boakye, a Ghanaian beautician, has made Eswatini her home. She arrived in Eswatini 17 years ago, having travelled through many African countries.

“When I first came here, I was mesmerised by the country’s beauty and the people’s warmth and hospitality. I’ve been to a lot of African countries like Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, before eventually landing in Eswatini.”

Although there are many success stories of female migrants integrating well into Swazi society, the journey to Eswatini is fraught with obstacles that test their resilience and determination. Some have to get used to the relatively slower pace of life. One of the most immediate hurdles is the language barrier. After adjusting to the blend of Siswati and English, expatriates find themselves more at ease.

Lina Mandlas, a Mozambican market vendor, arrived in the ‘90s and appreciates the medley of African nationals living in the country.

“This is my home now. I support my family back in Mozambique, and I’m proud to be part of this.”