BY MBONGENI NDLELA
LOBAMBA – His Majesty King Mswati III officially opened the Third Session of the 12th Parliament with a wide-ranging Speech from the Throne, outlining 35 bold directives designed to accelerate Eswatini’s economic transformation, strengthen social services, deepen national unity and position the Kingdom for long-term prosperity.
The address, delivered as the nation marks 40 years of His Majesty’s reign, set a clear roadmap for 2026 and beyond, anchored on economic diversification, infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, youth empowerment, social protection and regional leadership.
Economic Transformation and Revenue Diversification
- Government must reconfigure the country’s financial structure to reduce reliance on SACU receipts and taxes, broadening revenue streams.
- Establish at least 10 companies with a minimum annual turnover of E10 billion across different sectors.
- Encourage strategic local investment of at least E8 billion into viable industries capable of tripling returns and creating employment.
- Aspire to eliminate unemployment over the next 40 years.
- Intensify marketing of Eswatini as a preferred investment destination following its strong business readiness ranking.
Infrastructure Development
- Achieve the target of paving 500km of roads by 2028, including major upgrades and restoration of rain-damaged infrastructure.
- Return to the drawing board to finalise plans for the new Parliament building and campus.
- Structure capital projects to incentivise private sector participation.
- Complete construction of the Strategic Oil Reserve by 2028 to ensure fuel security.
- Expand the nationwide factory shells construction programme to attract FDI and create youth jobs.
Energy and Mining
- Generate at least 50% of electricity locally through solar, biomass and renewable energy by 2030.
- Work with Eswatini Electricity Company to resolve financial challenges and rising import costs.
- Review and strengthen the mining sector to unlock its full potential.
- Promote mineral value addition and beneficiation through processing zones.
Tourism and Agriculture
- Commission the International Convention Centre and use generated revenue to complete the adjacent hotel.
- Expand climate resilience and preparedness programmes for vulnerable communities.
- Continue subsidising subsistence farmers to enhance food security.
- Intensify efforts to eliminate Foot and Mouth Disease, strengthen awareness campaigns and secure vaccines.
Water and Digital Transformation
- Achieve universal access to clean water by 2030.
- Transition all government systems from analogue to digital platforms.
- Introduce secure digital passports to enhance travel efficiency and prevent forgery.
Poverty Reduction and Social Development
- Restructure budgeting systems to prioritise poverty elimination and economic growth.
- Strengthen the Regional Development Fund to stimulate grassroots businesses and curb urban migration.
- Enhance the National Housing Initiative so that no one is left behind.
- Review and strengthen the Youth Fund to ensure sustainable livelihoods.
- Ensure continued care and dignity for the elderly.
Health and Social Protection
- End drug shortages in health facilities and establish sustainable long-term supply chains.
- Intensify efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030, including rollout of the Lenacapavir injection programme.
- Take a firm national stance against gender-based violence and encourage early reporting.
Education and Youth Empowerment
- Integrate modern technology into the education system aligned with national development goals.
- Investigate causes of regional academic underperformance.
- Prioritise teacher training to ensure effective curriculum implementation.
International Trade and Diplomacy
- Expand and safeguard export markets through bilateral, regional and multilateral agreements.
- Lead the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in promoting peace and stability.
- Broadcast parliamentary debates live to enhance transparency and accountability.
A Vision Anchored in Unity and Transformation
As the Kingdom moves into 2026, the King called upon the nation to embrace unity, patriotism and service above self-interest. The 35 directives collectively form a bold national agenda designed to secure economic resilience, social justice and inclusive growth for the next generation. The message was clear: Eswatini must rise with determination, innovation and unity to achieve its First World vision.
