By Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE – Eswatini’s development story in 2025 reads like a nation stepping boldly into its next chapter. From rural communities receiving life-changing infrastructure to the nationwide expansion of digital connectivity, Government has driven a powerful wave of projects aimed at uplifting every Umphakatsi, every cooperative, and every young person with ambition. It is a year where fields are being irrigated anew, halls are rising in rural areas, entrepreneurs are gaining tools, and digital doors are opening for the entire nation.
As His Majesty King Mswati III declared during the opening of Parliament, “Eswatini has entered a transformative era. Our investments today are stepping stones to a prosperous, digitally connected, and self-reliant Kingdom.” That vision has guided the rollout of dozens of major projects across the country during 2025.
A NATION BUILDING: ROADS, HALLS & COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Government accelerated community infrastructure projects through the Regional Development Fund (RDF) and the Microprojects Programme. More than a hundred projects, spanning classrooms, bridges, clinics, community halls, staff houses, and water systems, are under construction or recently completed.
Early this year, 17 RDF projects were completed, creating 119 jobs and directly benefiting more than 1 200 people. These include classrooms, kitchens, and community facilities designed to serve rural communities for decades.
During his community tours, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini emphasised the administration’s hands-on approach:
“We are implementing the King’s directive to take development to the people. Government is moving, and development must be visible in every Tinkhundla.”
SPORTS & TOURISM: BUILDING FUTURE HUBS FOR TALENT AND JOBS
A national highlight this year was the tour of the E35 million Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, a FIFA-supported project that strengthens Eswatini’s sports development ecosystem. His Majesty toured the facility as part of a broader vision to expand youth pathways through sports and recreation.
He later visited the Matsamo Tourism Centre, reflecting a strategic move to link sports infrastructure, culture, and tourism. These hubs are expected to support talent development and boost local economies.
DIGITAL BREAKTHROUGH: FREE WI-FI, FIBRE & SMART GOVERNMENT
2025 marks Eswatini’s most ambitious digital rollout to date. Government has connected all 48 Tinkhundla centres, several schools, rural health facilities, and border gates to free public Wi-Fi.
A nationwide fibre-optic expansion is underway, expected to strengthen national connectivity over the next 24 months.
The flagship “Government in Your Hand” digital platform is already operational with 11 services, including licence renewals, scholarship applications, and business registrations. Over 90 more services are in development.
Minister of ICTs Senator Savanna Maziya has described this era as “the birth of a fully digital Eswatini, where no citizen is left behind.”
Mbabane’s Smart City project, with AI-enabled surveillance, free Wi-Fi, and smart public services, has become a model of modern urban transformation.
RDF PROJECTS: LIFTING COMMUNITIES WITH CAPITAL AND EQUIPMENT
Government’s commitment to rural enterprise has been visible across all regions.
Lubombo Region – E100 Million Investment
His Majesty handed over development projects worth around E100 million to cooperatives and community groups, including tractors, tipper trucks, feedlots, value-chain equipment, tents, chairs, and catering tools.
Accepting the support, one cooperative leader remarked, “This is not just equipment. It is dignity, opportunity, and a pathway to sustainable income for our families.”
Manzini Region – E57 Million Boost
In Manzini, His Majesty delivered E57 million worth of projects to 38 cooperatives, prioritising agriculture, transport, and services.
Hhohho Region – E15 Million in Madlangempisi and Buhleni
Communities in the north received equipment and start-up support to enhance agricultural production and youth entrepreneurship.
WATER, AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY: INVESTING IN RESILIENCE
Water security has been elevated to top national priority. His Majesty recently announced that Eswatini is pursuing E40 billion in large-scale water development investments.
Two flagship projects are already in financing and technical review stages:
– Nondvo Multipurpose Dam
– Raising of Hawane Dam
Speaking at a continental summit, His Majesty said, “Water is life, and investing in it is an investment in our survival and our prosperity.”
YOUTH, EDUCATION & SKILLS: A COMPETITIVE FUTURE
Youth empowerment took centre stage with the country’s first National Skills Competition held in early 2025. Young competitors displayed talent in cooking, welding, and automotive technology, winners earned tools and training opportunities.
Minister of Education Owen Nxumalo praised the youth, saying:“Our young people have shown creativity, discipline, and determination. These are the skills that will rebuild our economy.”
MSME GROWTH & FINANCIAL INCLUSION
In February, Government unveiled the National MSME Policy 2025, a refreshed roadmap to boost entrepreneurship, strengthen business support, and open markets for small enterprises.
Minister Manqoba Khumalo noted during the launch: “MSMEs are the backbone of our economy. Our role is to unlock the environment so that they thrive and create jobs.”
LOOKING AHEAD
From the countryside to the cities, 2025 has become a year of visible progress. Infrastructure is rising. Fibre is being laid. Dams are being planned. Skills are being sharpened. Cooperatives are being equipped. And a digital doorway has opened for every Liswati.
As His Majesty said:“When we empower the people, we secure our nation’s future.”
