BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– The Government of Eswatini and the United Nations Eswatini have joined forces to chart a bold new course for the nation’s development, launching the E3.2 billion United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030.
The landmark agreement was officially signed on Thursday, 20 November 2025, during a ceremony held at the UN House in Mbabane.
The new Framework builds on the success of the current 2021–2025 cycle, which concludes next month and has mobilised an impressive E1.8 billion for various development priorities. The renewed partnership signals a strengthened commitment to accelerating progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
This acceleration echoes the Nkwe call to action pronounced by His Majesty King Mswati III during the 2023 Sibaya (People’s Parliament), as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ global appeal for intensified SDG implementation.
The ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, who was joined by several Cabinet ministers, including Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, representing Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla; Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina; Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Shakantu; and Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima. Members of Emabandla, the business community, people with disabilities and representatives from various sectors were also present. The programme was directed by Prime Minister’s Office Principal Secretary Bheki Bhembe.
UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira expressed gratitude to Government for its unwavering support, noting that planning for the new Framework began in August 2024. He highlighted that the strong collaboration demonstrated by Cabinet underscored the shared ambition to deliver meaningful development outcomes. Wachira also introduced the “Fantastic 21” – a strengthened team of 21 UN professionals who will drive implementation of the new Cooperation Framework, up from 16 in the previous cycle.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Dlamini reaffirmed the country’s determination to advance inclusive and sustainable development. He described the Framework not merely as an agreement, but as a renewed national promise to accelerate transformation across all communities.
“As a nation, we have set for ourselves a bold ambition to transition into an upper-middle-income country driven by inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth,” he said. “This Cooperation Framework is not just a plan; it is a promise – a promise to uplift every family, every community and every liSwati.”
The PM emphasised the need to intensify efforts to realise the 2030 Agenda through targeted investments, enhanced partnerships and stronger institutional systems. He welcomed the integration of the National Grand Plan pathways into the Framework, noting that strategic alignment would ensure coherent, evidence-based action across all sectors.
Ministers Mkhonta-Simelane and Gina echoed these sentiments, describing the Framework as a call to action to improve the lives of all Emaswati. They pledged full ministerial support to ensure successful implementation over the next five years.
The launch concluded with a shared commitment to building a resilient, prosperous and inclusive Eswatini – one where progress is both sustainable and widely shared.
