BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Eswatini continues to record encouraging progress towards economic recovery and sustainable livelihoods for Emaswati, as government intensifies efforts to implement the National Development Plan (NDP) 2023/24–2024/25 through coordinated planning, reforms and development programmes.
Progress was reviewed during a workshop on May 26, 2026, where the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development together with Planning Officers assessed implementation gains and reflected on national development priorities aimed at accelerating inclusive growth.
According to Chief Economist Sifiso Mamba, Eswatini’s development trajectory continues to show positive momentum, driven by improved implementation systems and stronger collaboration across government institutions.
Mamba said, “Sustainable development outcomes depend on effective coordination, disciplined execution and continuous improvement in how development programmes are implemented. What matters most now is ensuring that our plans translate into real and measurable improvements in the lives of Emaswati.”
The National Development Plan Progress Report was presented by Ministry Consultant Nokwazi Mathabela, who highlighted encouraging gains in economic recovery and improved livelihoods for citizens.
According to the presentation, Eswatini continues to register steady progress in key development areas, including life expectancy, healthcare access, education, infrastructure expansion and electrification — all contributing to improved quality of life for Emaswati.
Key reforms and initiatives driving inclusive growth were also highlighted, including the Government in Your Hand digital platform, the Eswatini Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) and Tinkhundla-led development programmes aimed at strengthening service delivery at community level.
Officials noted that the Government in Your Hand platform is transforming public service delivery by enabling citizens to access selected government services remotely, significantly reducing travel costs, time barriers and administrative inefficiencies.
BOSS was also recognised as a key reform improving the ease of doing business by streamlining registration, licensing and regulatory processes, thereby supporting entrepreneurship, investment and private sector expansion.
Ongoing infrastructure development and electrification programmes continue to improve livelihoods and unlock economic opportunities in both urban and rural communities.
While challenges such as climate-related shocks and unemployment persist, officials noted that government is strengthening resilience through improved planning systems, stronger partnerships and innovation-driven approaches to development.
As Eswatini continues its journey towards economic recovery, the review reinforced a shared commitment to ensuring that development translates into real, measurable improvements in the lives of Emaswati.
The country’s development outlook remains positive, with ongoing reforms and coordinated implementation of the NDP expected to sustain inclusive growth, economic resilience and long-term improvements in livelihoods across the Kingdom.
#Eswatini #NDP #EconomicRecovery #SustainableLivelihoods #GovernmentInYourHand #BOSS #Development #InclusiveGrowth
(Courtesy Pic)
