BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – Eswatini has strengthened its voice in Africa’s environmental restoration agenda after showcasing the country’s progress in restoring degraded landscapes and protecting ecosystems at the 9th AFR100 Annual Partnership Meeting (APM9) in Madagascar.
Held in Nosy Be from July 20 to 24, 2026, the high-level gathering brought together African governments and development partners to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and explore sustainable financing solutions to accelerate ecosystem restoration across the continent.
The meeting, convened by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), was held under the theme, “Accelerating Ecosystem Restoration in Africa: Uniting for Sustainable Financing and Scaling Up Successful Solutions.”
Eswatini was represented through the Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project (MERP), which formed part of the country’s delegation alongside national AFR100 focal points from government. Representing the MERP Project Management Unit were Project AFR100 Focal Point and National Field Officer Lungelo Dlamini and Regional Field Officer Funwako Dlamini. They were joined by Eswatini’s National AFR100 Focal Point, Phila Sifundza, from the Ministry of Agriculture, and Alternate National AFR100 Focal Point Mbhekeni Nxumalo, from the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
Speaking on behalf of the country’s representation at the gathering, the Eswatini delegation noted, “Our participation at APM9 was a vital moment to demonstrate that Eswatini’s restoration efforts are not just about planting trees—they are about reviving livelihoods, securing water sources, and building climate resilience for our communities. Sharing the successes of the Mbuluzi River Basin on a continental stage proves that local, community-driven action can drive major environmental impact across Africa.”
At the meeting, Eswatini presented the progress being made in Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR), highlighting the impact of interventions being implemented through MERP. The country’s presentation demonstrated an integrated approach to restoration that goes beyond planting trees to address the broader environmental and socio-economic challenges facing communities and landscapes. Key areas highlighted included sustainable land management and climate-smart agriculture, rangeland restoration, donga (gully) rehabilitation, reforestation, protected area management and biodiversity conservation. These interventions are contributing to efforts to rehabilitate degraded land, strengthen ecosystem health and improve the resilience of communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture and natural resources.
The Eswatini delegation also took part in regional discussions on lessons learned, implementation challenges and opportunities to strengthen Forest Landscape Restoration across Southern Africa. The discussions provided an important platform for countries to share practical experiences and explore innovative approaches to scaling up restoration efforts while ensuring that communities remain at the centre of sustainable development.
A major focus of APM9 was the need to unlock sustainable financing for ecosystem restoration. Participants explored opportunities to attract greater investment from financial institutions, investors and development partners to support restoration programmes across Africa. The meeting also placed emphasis on restoring livelihoods, strengthening food and water security, improving ecosystem resilience and protecting the continent’s rich biodiversity.
For Eswatini, participation at the meeting also provided an opportunity to share progress towards the country’s AFR100 restoration commitment. This work is supported by the recently established National AFR100 Multi-stakeholder Platform, which brings together stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, the private sector and local communities. The platform is expected to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and promote a more unified approach to national restoration efforts.
The participation of Eswatini at the continental gathering highlights the country’s commitment to addressing land degradation, promoting sustainable land management and protecting its natural resources for future generations. Through projects such as MERP, restoration is being linked to broader national priorities, including improved livelihoods, climate resilience, food security and biodiversity conservation.
As the Eswatini delegation returns home, it brings with it new knowledge, strengthened regional partnerships and renewed momentum to advance restoration initiatives across the Mbuluzi River Basin and beyond. The country’s participation at APM9 has further positioned Eswatini as an active partner in Africa’s collective drive to restore degraded landscapes and build a greener, more resilient future. Ultimately, the restoration agenda is not only about rehabilitating the environment but also about strengthening communities and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
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