BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – Government has intensified efforts to rebuild Eswatini’s livestock sector and reclaim lost international market opportunities following the devastating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak of May 2025, with renewed focus on strengthening animal health systems, enhancing disease surveillance and deepening regional cooperation.
The commitment was highlighted during the official opening of the Southern Africa Sub-Regional Workshop on Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention and Control, held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Mbabane, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Representing Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima said the workshop was timely as Eswatini continues implementing measures to recover from the impact of the outbreak, which affected livestock productivity, disrupted trade and resulted in the loss of important international markets, including the European Union (EU) beef market.
The May 2025 FMD outbreak was the country’s most challenging to contain in recent history, compelling government to accelerate interventions aimed at improving veterinary capacity, strengthening early warning systems and ensuring better preparedness against future outbreaks.
Tshawuka said controlling FMD requires a coordinated national and regional response involving government, farmers, veterinary professionals, researchers, the private sector and development partners.
“Effective prevention and control of Foot and Mouth Disease require more than emergency responses. It demands a well-trained workforce, strong surveillance systems, rapid detection and reporting, coordinated disease control measures and close collaboration among all stakeholders,” he said.
Livestock remains a key pillar of Eswatini’s agricultural economy, contributing to food security, household incomes, employment creation and the cultural identity of emaSwati.
The Minister noted that cattle and goats are not only economic assets but also hold significant social and traditional value within communities, making the protection of livestock resources a national priority.
The three-day regional workshop, hosted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), brought together veterinary experts, livestock specialists and representatives from 16 SADC Member States to share knowledge and strengthen collective approaches towards preventing and controlling FMD.
Tshawuka expressed appreciation to WOAH for selecting Eswatini to host the high-level engagement, noting that the Kingdom has hosted four WOAH workshops since 2011.
He said the gathering demonstrated the importance of countries working together to address transboundary animal diseases that threaten livestock production, livelihoods and trade.
“Diseases do not recognise national borders. Consequently, our surveillance systems, information sharing, emergency preparedness and response mechanisms must equally transcend borders,” he said.
The Minister said partnerships with organisations such as WOAH, SADC, COMESA, FAO and other development partners provide a platform for building stronger and more resilient animal health systems across Southern Africa.
He added that the skills and knowledge gained during the workshop would be shared with veterinary personnel, extension officers and livestock producers across Eswatini, strengthening the country’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to future outbreaks.
Tshawuka further reaffirmed government’s commitment to applying WOAH standards as Eswatini works towards regaining regional and international markets affected by the 2025 outbreak.
“Eswatini remains committed to strengthening animal health, improving livestock productivity, enhancing market access and building resilient livestock production and health systems,” he said.
The workshop is expected to enhance regional collaboration and equip SADC countries with modern tools and strategies to improve FMD preparedness, outbreak response and sustainable livestock development.
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