Taiwan wants to spend NT$1 billion building an industrial park in Eswatini, a move that helps Taiwanese firms into Africa and buys loyalty from its last ally on the continent.

• The money would fund the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Phocweni, on land next to Eswatini's Royal Science and Technology Park.
• It is part of a foreign ministry budget of NT$43.41 billion, up nearly NT$4 billion from this year — spending still needs approval from lawmakers.
• The real goal is diplomatic: Eswatini is Taiwan's only African ally, and China has been picking off Taipei's remaining partners one by one.
• Around 60 Taiwanese companies have already scouted the site, and 10 in textiles, packaging, drugs and solar have signed letters of intent.
• President Lai Ching-te has pitched Eswatini as a gateway for Taiwanese firms trying to break into African markets.

Outlook: Lawmakers are likely to approve the funding, but the park's success depends on whether those letters of intent turn into actual factories.