- The inflows are expected to help government settle outstanding payments to suppliers and strengthen financial stability.
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Eswatini is expected to receive E2.6 billion from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) tomorrow, 8 January 2026, while an additional E800 million (USD 50 million) from the OPEC Fund is scheduled to reflect in two weeks, developments that significantly boost the country’s financial position.
This was revealed by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg during a meet-and-greet engagement with the Eswatini Positive News team at his offices today.
The Minister said the SACU inflow will support government’s commitment to fully settle outstanding supplier payments in January, while the upcoming OPEC Fund disbursement, expected in the third week of January, will reinforce cash flow and ensure that any remaining arrears are cleared.
Rijkenberg explained that the E2.6 billion SACU allocation forms part of the current revenue cycle and continues to anchor national budget commitments and fiscal stability.
He further highlighted the role of the SACU Stabilisation Fund, noting that government drew E1 billion from the fund this year, at E250 million per quarter, to smooth revenue fluctuations. Should SACU receipts improve next year, government plans to reinvest into the fund to preserve long-term resilience.
“The stabilisation mechanism has worked very well. It provides predictability and stability in government finances, which is exactly what it was designed to do,” he said, adding that SACU performance has remained close to the E10.4 billion stability threshold in recent years.
The Minister also reported major progress in reducing arrears to suppliers. Strong December tax collections, estimated at around E1.5 billion instead of the usual E1 billion, together with an African Development Bank facility, enabled government to settle a significant portion of outstanding obligations.
While final figures are still being consolidated, Rijkenberg said arrears are now “heavily reduced,” and the January inflows will enable government to clear the remainder.
On the upcoming OPEC Fund facility valued at USD 50 million (approximately E800 million), the Minister said the funds will complement SACU receipts and provide additional stability.
“If there is anything not paid using SACU, the OPEC funds will help us settle it. No debt will be left. As a country, we are in a good financial space,” he affirmed.
Rijkenberg concluded by expressing optimism about improving revenue trends in the coming financial year, noting that Eswatini’s fiscal outlook is moving in a positive direction and strengthening confidence among suppliers, investors, and national stakeholders.
