ESWATINI’S 2026/27 BUDGET SIGNALS STRONG INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE, GROWTH, STABILITY

BY MBONO MDLULI

LOBAMBA– Eswatini’s 2026/27 National Budget outlines a confident and forward-looking roadmap centred on social investment, economic resilience and national development.

Presented as a balanced fiscal plan by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg in the House of Assembly on Friday, February 27, 2026, the budget demonstrates a deliberate effort to align responsible spending with meaningful investment in priority sectors. The fiscal barometer reflected in the budget document signals a structured approach to revenue management, expenditure control and sustainable financing — reinforcing confidence in the country’s economic trajectory. Rijkenberg presented a total Govenrment expenditure estimated at E36.9 billion. Total Govenrment revenue and grants are estimated at E31.9 billion, an increase of 7.3% compared to budgeted revenue for the year 2025/26. This is due to modest increase in SACU.

Education Leads the Way

Education receives one of the largest allocations among the highlighted sectors, with E5.47 billion earmarked. The significant investment underscores government’s commitment to strengthening human capital, improving infrastructure and enhancing learning outcomes.

By prioritising education, Eswatini continues to lay the foundation for a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term inclusive growth.

Health Sector Strengthened

The health sector has been allocated E3.27 billion, signalling sustained efforts to improve service delivery, upgrade medical facilities and ensure broader access to essential healthcare services.

The funding highlights the importance of building a resilient health system that safeguards communities while supporting productivity and national development.

Boost for Agriculture and Food Security

Agriculture receives E2.24 billion, reinforcing its central role in food security, rural livelihoods and economic diversification.

The allocation is expected to strengthen value chains, support farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices — positioning the sector as a driver of transformation rather than merely a subsistence activity.

Protecting the Vulnerable

Social Protection is allocated E3.73 billion, reflecting government’s continued focus on expanding safety nets and supporting vulnerable groups.

This investment promotes inclusive development and strengthens national solidarity by ensuring that economic growth benefits all citizens.

Public Order and Safety Prioritised

Public Order and Safety receives E2.82 billion, underscoring the importance of maintaining stability, strengthening law enforcement capacity and ensuring secure communities — essential foundations for economic activity and investor confidence.

Economic Affairs

Government has also allocated E7.78 billion to economic affairs, signalling a strong emphasis on stimulating growth, supporting productive sectors and enhancing competitiveness across the kingdom.

Broad-Based Ministry Allocations

Beyond the major sectors, the budget outlines comprehensive allocations across key ministries, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to development.

Each ministry receives both recurrent and capital expenditure funding, balancing day-to-day service delivery with long-term infrastructure expansion and institutional investment.

A Budget Focused on Momentum

Overall, the 2026/27 Budget reflects a nation focused on strengthening institutions, empowering citizens and accelerating socio-economic progress.

With strong allocations to education, health, agriculture and social protection, the fiscal plan signals a forward-looking strategy anchored in stability, inclusive growth and sustainable development — positioning Eswatini for continued resilience in a dynamic global environment.

Below is a table showing the budget allocations to each Ministry and Department for 2026/27