BY MBONGENI NDLELA
EZULWINI – Government has unveiled ambitious plans to align the 2025/26 budget with its dynamic Programme of Action (PoA), following a successful Cabinet Retreat held under the leadership of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.
The 5-day retreat, held at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini, focused on addressing key national priorities as reflected in the Sibaya mandate, the National Development Plan, and His Majesty’s vision of Eswatini attaining developed country status.
The PM emphasized the importance of comprehensive planning and execution to meet the country’s development goals.
Commitment to Localized Strategies
Dlamini highlighted the need to prioritize local needs over external influences. “Our strategies must be rooted in Eswatini’s realities,” he said, adding that the government’s vision and values have been redefined to reflect this focus.
A shift toward decentralization was announced, empowering Principal Secretaries to manage budgets and deliver mandates more effectively. This new approach aims to break silos across ministries, promoting collaboration and a unified “One Government” strategy in planning and budgeting.
Key Outcomes of the Retreat
The Cabinet reached several important resolutions, including:
1. Alignment of Budgets to the PoA: All government ministries will align their budgets with the PoA priorities. A dedicated team has been appointed to review systems, including the Public Finance Management Act, procurement processes, and ministry structures, with results expected by March 2025.
2. Strategic Initiatives:
o Pursuing food sovereignty by increasing agricultural productivity and storage of staple foods.
o Transforming Eswatini into a green economy with a focus on energy generation and sustainable industrialization.
o Conducting biannual evaluations to monitor PoA implementation across ministries.
3. Sectoral Reforms:
o The Ministry of Finance will explore innovative tax strategies and review expenditure ceilings to enhance resource utilization.
o The Ministry of Agriculture will modernize its policies to support employment and economic growth.
o The Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs will fast-track youth empowerment and arts initiatives.
o The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will work on transitioning the Eswatini National Provident Fund into a national pension scheme.
Call for National Unity
The retreat reinforced the government’s commitment to addressing urgent challenges such as disaster recovery and infrastructure rehabilitation, following recent heavy rains. The Prime Minister commended the collaborative efforts of ministries, development partners, and the private sector in responding to these crises.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Dlamini expressed optimism about the retreat’s outcomes, describing it as a “resounding success.” He called on the nation to continue supporting and praying for the government as it works toward fulfilling the Sibaya mandate and advancing Eswatini’s development.
