BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has expressed confidence in Eswatini’s development trajectory, highlighting strong national ownership, capable project implementation teams and the Government’s determination to turn development financing into tangible results.
The positive assessment follows a mission to the Kingdom by a delegation from the AfDB Board of Directors, with François Defourny, Senior Advisor to the Board, describing the visit as an opportunity to witness first-hand the impact of the Bank’s investments in the country.
Defourny said investments in transformative projects, particularly in transport and water, were delivering tangible benefits to communities.
He also praised the competence and commitment of Eswatini’s Project Implementation Units (PIUs), saying their role was essential in converting development financing into results.
“Strong national ownership, clear vision and determination from the authorities are key to driving development forward,” Defourny said in a post following the mission.
He further described the AfDB as one of Eswatini’s key strategic development partners, saying the relationship was built on a strong and trusted partnership over time.
The comments come as the Bank significantly expands its development financing in the Kingdom.
In July, the AfDB said it had committed a $1.03 billion investment programme to support Eswatini’s economic transformation over five years under its 2025-2030 Country Strategy Paper.
The strategy prioritises climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly transport, energy, water and sanitation, while also strengthening private-sector competitiveness to create jobs and diversify the economy.
The Bank said in July that its active Eswatini portfolio had grown to $527 million across 10 operations, more than doubling from $226.7 million five years earlier. Its partnership with the Kingdom dates back more than five decades, with 71 loans and grants approved across sectors including agriculture, transport, energy, water, governance and finance.
Among the major investments is the Eswatini Road Infrastructure Improvement Programme, which includes the 80.2-kilometre Siphofaneni-Sithobela-Maloma-Nsoko road and the 25.7-kilometre Maloma-Siphambanweni road.
The projects are expected to cut travel time and transport costs by at least half while improving access to markets and creating opportunities for communities in Lubombo and Shiselweni.
The Bank is also supporting major water initiatives, including the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme and the Manzini Region Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
Defourny said the experience demonstrated that when committed governments, capable implementation teams and reliable development finance partners work together, transformative results were possible.
The assessment reinforces Eswatini’s position as a country in which the AfDB sees significant potential for development impact and long-term partnership.
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