BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE- Eswatini’s economic outlook has received a strong boost as Government confirms decisive steps to stabilise cash flow, clear outstanding obligations and strengthen service delivery, offering renewed confidence to citizens, suppliers and the business community.
Providing a comprehensive update during Finance in Focus, the Minister of Finance announced that Government has successfully secured two major funding facilities, US$47.5 million from the African Development Bank and US$50 million from the OPEC Fund, a move expected to immediately ease liquidity pressures and restore normal financial operations across ministries and departments.
The AfDB loan is already expected to start flowing within days, while the OPEC Fund facility is scheduled for January. Combined with strong December tax collections and incoming SACU receipts in early January, Government is confident it will settle suppliers in full and bring public finances firmly back on track within the next month.
“We absolutely foresee that we’re going to be able to settle suppliers 100% and really get the cash flow of the government back on track,” the Minister assured.
Modernising Revenue Collection for Greater Convenience
In another progressive development, Government is accelerating reforms to modernise and decentralise revenue collection. The function of revenue offices is being transferred to the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), with Eswatini Post and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) post offices now serving as new payment points.
The Manzini and Maboneni Post Offices are already operational, allowing emaSwati to pay government revenues closer to their communities, with more post offices set to be rolled out countrywide. This shift is expected to reduce congestion, improve efficiency and bring services closer to the people.
At the same time, Government is expanding digital payment platforms, enabling citizens to settle obligations using mobile phones or computers, a move aligned with national digital transformation goals.
Strong Lilangeni Creates Opportunities
The Minister also highlighted the favourable exchange rate, with the Lilangeni performing strongly against the US dollar. This development presents a strategic opportunity for businesses and individuals importing goods, while also helping contain the cost of fuel and other essential items that directly affect household budgets.
Importantly, the strong currency also reduces the cost of servicing Government’s foreign-denominated debt, creating additional fiscal breathing room.
Responsible Budgeting Amid Tight Conditions
As Government intensifies its budget preparation process, the Minister acknowledged that the coming financial year will be tight, particularly following the recent salary review. However, he reaffirmed Government’s commitment to fairly distributing limited resources while ensuring critical national needs are met.
A Call for Financial Wisdom
Closing on a personal and practical note, the Minister urged citizens to plan wisely during the festive season, especially by prioritising school fees and essential expenses, to avoid unnecessary financial strain in January.
Overall, the update paints a picture of steady recovery, improved systems and forward-looking leadership, reinforcing confidence that Eswatini’s public finances are being managed with care, transparency and a clear focus on easing the daily pressures faced by emaSwati.
