Eswatini has been home to all sorts of people for thousands of years. It started with San hunter-gatherers and later drew in Bantu-speaking groups. The Bantu peoples originated in West-Central Africa, near present-day Cameroon and Nigeria, around 3000 BCE. Over centuries, they migrated across sub-Saharan Africa in waves known as the Bantu expansion, spreading agriculture, ironworking, and language. This vast movement led to the formation of hundreds of distinct ethnic groups, including the Nguni, Sotho, Tswana, and Shona.
The Swazi people are part of the Nguni subgroup of the Bantu ethnolinguistic family, which also includes the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele. Nguni ancestors migrated from East Africa into southern Mozambique before the 16th century, eventually giving rise to the Swazi identity.

Governance, Society, and Spirituality: Nguni Migration and Swazi Formation
Under the leadership of the Dlamini clan, the Swazi moved into the Pongola River region, eventually settling in what is now Eswatini. Through conquest and assimilation of smaller tribes, they forged a unified Swazi kingdom and cultural identity.
The Swazi speak Siswati, a Bantu language within the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family. While their culture shares commonalities with other Nguni peoples, it retains distinct traditions shaped by royal lineage and geographic isolation.

Legacy of the Dlamini Dynasty
The Swazi monarchy, led by the Dlamini family, has ruled for over 300 years, making it one of the longest-standing monarchies in Africa. This continuity has played a crucial role in preserving Swazi identity through colonial rule and into modern nationhood.
The Swazi people’s journey, from East African origins to the establishment of a resilient kingdom in Eswatini, is a powerful testament to adaptation, unity, and cultural preservation (History Rise, 2025).
Today, the monarchy continues to play a central role in Eswatini’s political and cultural life, with King Mswati III serving as the current ruler. Despite calls for reform, the monarchy remains a symbol of continuity and tradition for many Swazi people.

As a testament to resilience, the Swazi people’s journey, from their East African origins to the formation of a resilient kingdom in Eswatini, powerfully attests to adaptation, unity, and cultural preservation. Their history reflects the broader narrative of African civilizations: dynamic, enduring, and deeply rooted in ancestral legacy. The Swazi monarchy remains intact as Africa’s last absolute monarchy. However, it has faced growing internal and external pressures that have challenged its authority and legitimacy in recent decades. The Swazi monarchy, now ruling over Eswatini, has been led by the Dlamini dynasty for over 300 years. King Mswati III, who ascended the throne in 1986, continues to wield absolute power, making Eswatini one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world. Despite its survival, the monarchy has faced significant political, economic, and social challenges:

Despite growing unrest and international scrutiny, the monarchy has not collapsed. In fact, it has doubled down on its authority:
• King Mswati III continues to appoint the prime minister and holds sway over all branches of government.
• Parliamentary elections are held, but candidates must run as independents, a system critics argue lacks genuine democratic choice.
This centralized control has sparked increasing demands for change. Civil society groups, youth movements, and reform-minded citizens are calling for a more inclusive and accountable political system.

The future of Eswatini’s monarchy is uncertain. While it remains a symbol of cultural continuity, many believe it must evolve to remain relevant. A shift toward a constitutional monarchy, where royal influence is balanced by democratic institutions, could preserve tradition while addressing governance concerns. Whether the monarchy adapts or resists changes will shape Eswatini’s political destiny (International Monetary Fund. African Dept. “Kingdom of Eswatini, 2025).
Eswatini’s economy is showing signs of life, with infrastructure development and manufacturing driving growth. But beneath the surface, serious challenges persist:
• Youth unemployment is staggering 56% of people aged 15 to 24 were unemployed in 2023. (34 percent; 58 percent among youth) and high-income inequality (https://www.imf.org/). Poverty remains entrenched, fueled by limited formal job create high-income-income business climate.
• Agriculture, once a pillar of the economy, has been weakened by recurrent droughts and climate shocks. The economy is highly vulnerable to external forces, especially climate change and regional instability.
Despite these hurdles, Eswatini has opportunities to diversify its economy, attract investment, and empower its youth, if it can create the right conditions for inclusive growth.
Eswatini is not just a country with a rich royal legacy; it’s a nation at a pivotal moment. The choices made today will determine whether it becomes a model of cultural resilience and democratic reform or remains caught between tradition and transformation.

References

International Monetary Fund. African Dept. “Kingdom of Eswatini: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kingdom of Eswatini”, IMF Staff Country Reports 2025, 279 (2025), accessed November 5, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229027106.002

The History of Eswatini: From Dlamini Kingship to Modern Monarchy

February 14, 2025, by History Rise

https://historyrise.com/the-history-of-eswatini-from-dlamini-kingship-to-contemporary-monarchy/