BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Eswatini’s financial future is in capable hands, with the Ministry of Finance implementing strategic measures to ensure growth and resilience. Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg recently detailed the importance of supplementary budgeting as a tool for addressing unexpected challenges while maintaining fiscal discipline.
“Our approach to supplementary budgeting ensures we can respond to urgent needs without exceeding our financial capacity,” Rijkenberg said. “It’s about balancing resources effectively to support essential services and sustain development.”
The minister explained how supplementary budgets allow the government to reallocate funds from underutilized areas to critical priorities, ensuring efficiency and impact. This strategy has become increasingly important as SACU revenues face fluctuations.
In addition to resource reallocation, the government is leveraging the SACU Stabilization Fund, which now holds over E2.4 billion, to support the economy. “This fund represents a proactive approach to managing revenue volatility, ensuring that we stay on track even during challenging times,” Rijkenberg said.
The Finance Ministry is also focused on long-term planning, emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on external revenue sources like SACU. By strengthening domestic revenue systems and fostering compliance, Eswatini is building a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
“Our goal is to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and that every decision supports the well-being of our citizens,” Rijkenberg added.
As Eswatini prepares for a new financial year, the government’s commitment to strategic planning and fiscal responsibility is paving the way for a brighter economic future.
