In a historic declaration, King Mswati III announced that Swaziland would be officially renamed Eswatini, an event that coincided with his 50th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the country's independence from British colonial rule. The name 'Eswatini' means 'land of the Swati' in the local language, Siswati, and aims to strengthen the national identity and reflect the country's cultural heritage. This name change was also celebrated through a series of festivities that included parades, traditional dances, and cultural performances, gathering thousands of citizens and visitors who participated enthusiastically in the celebrations.

The decision to rename the nation was not merely a change in nomenclature but symbolized a deeper sentiment of pride and reclamation of identity. Up until this point, the nation had been known internationally as Swaziland, a name that many felt was a remnant of colonial influence that needed to be eradicated. The announcement drew both local and international attention, as it was part of a broader trend in Africa where nations have been revisiting and embracing indigenous names to reflect their history and culture.

King Mswati III stated that the name change was a way to honor the ancestors and asserted the importance of sovereignty and self-identity. Alongside this change, new national symbols and flags were also introduced to align with the updated name, further embedding it into the national consciousness. The event was a significant marker in the ongoing journey of nationhood and cultural self-determination, signaling to the world that Eswatini is a country proud of its roots, willing to stand in its sovereignty as it moves forward.