BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– The Regional Development Fund (RDF) continues to make a significant contribution to Eswatini’s socio-economic growth, with 204 projects currently underway across the four regions — a development expected to create 1 442 job opportunities and directly benefit over 52 000 Emaswati.
The projects, with a combined value of E305 million, include 72 income-generating initiatives and 172 infrastructure projects, reflecting government’s commitment to improving livelihoods and boosting local economies through decentralised development.
The RDF was established under Legal Notice No. 03 of 2015 to alleviate and ultimately eradicate poverty across the Kingdom. Its key focus areas include infrastructure development, service delivery improvements, and support for commercial and income-generating projects.
According to the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development’s Second Quarter Performance report, as of 30 September 2025, the Fund’s disbursement rate stood at 63%, with total commitments of E2.7 million against funds received amounting to E2.2 million for the administration account. However, challenges persist, including insufficient administration funds, which have hampered smooth operations. Officials have recommended that the administration allocation be increased from 5% to 10% to enhance efficiency.
During the review period, the RDF also focused on capacity building, training 68 project committee members from 21 Eswatini Organised Groups (EOGs). Training covered basic bookkeeping, financial reporting, material management, and stock control — skills critical to ensuring effective project implementation and accountability.
Nationally, 54 project applications were received by RDF Technical Committees (RDFTCs), of which 34 were recommended for funding and 20 remain under appraisal. The total cost of applications considered amounted to E73 million. In addition, 13 project applications were reviewed by the Regional Development Fund Committees (RDFCs), resulting in 12 approvals valued at E20.4 million.
The Fund’s impact is evident across the regions:
- Hhohho Region: Completed 11 projects valued at E20.4 million, benefiting 2,292 people and creating 24 jobs. There are 53 ongoing projects worth E71.2 million, expected to benefit 10 356 people and generate 323 jobs.
- Lubombo Region: Completed 9 projects worth E10.7 million, creating 25 jobs. 23 projects are ongoing, valued at E25.2 million, and will benefit 4 206 people.
- Manzini Region: Recorded 25 completed projects worth E36.4 million, creating 151 jobs and benefiting 3 067 people. 76 projects are ongoing, valued at E87.6 million, and are projected to create 652 jobs.
- Shiselweni Region: Completed 26 projects valued at E3.3 million, while 23 infrastructure projects are currently under the defect liability period. The region has 92 ongoing projects worth E120.9 million, set to benefit 16 155 people and create 397 jobs.
To date, 48 RDF projects have been completed nationwide, amounting to E71.1 million, directly benefiting 5 999 Emaswati and creating 203 jobs.
Despite financial constraints, the RDF continues to demonstrate its effectiveness as a key vehicle for rural empowerment and poverty reduction, strengthening communities through sustainable, inclusive, and job-creating development.
(Courtesy Pic)
