BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– His Majesty King Mswati III has affirmed his belief that Eswatini still has the right opportunity to achieve all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 — even though just five years remain.
Speaking at Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Thursday, as he reported back on his participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly, the King said Eswatini has already shown it can make major strides.
He drew attention to the country’s HIV/AIDS milestone: Eswatini has hit the 95-95-95 target. That means 95% of people living with HIV know their status; 95% of those who know are on antiretroviral therapy; and 95% of those on treatment have viral suppression (World Health Organization / UNAIDS) (see WHO Africa press).
The King also noted that, although work remains, Eswatini is heading toward 100% water and electricity coverage. He reminded those tasked with delivering on the SDGs that the clock is ticking — only four years remain until 2030.
Eswatini’s Performance Across Select SDGs
Below is a chart showing estimated progress across all 17 SDGs, based on recent national and regional data, which provides a visual overview of where Eswatini is doing well and where more effort is needed:
(Bar chart showing percentages for SDGs 1 to 17)
Key observations (based on national reviews, UN, and NGO data):
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: Strongest performance. The 95-95-95 HIV target was achieved well ahead of 2030, according to WHO / UNAIDS reports.
- SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Access to safe water has improved. The 2022 Voluntary National Review (VNR) reported that more than 75% of the population has safe water access. (Eswatini VNR, United Nations)
- SDG 7 – Affordable & Clean Energy: Access to electricity continues to expand. The 2022 VNR noted improved rural electrification rates.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Notable advances in infrastructure — paved roads, waste management programs, regulated urban expansion (Eswatini 2022 VNR).
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: This remains one of the weaker dimensions, given climate vulnerability and limited scope for mitigation as a small economy.
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Progress is slower, with rural–urban and income disparities still large.
- SDG 14 – Life Below Water: As a landlocked country, Eswatini has minimal direct metrics here; progress is often embedded in regional water management.
(Sources: Eswatini 2022 VNR published at the UN High-Level Political Forum; WHO / UNAIDS data; SDG country profiles; national statistical reports).
What the King’s Message Implies
By pointing to the HIV/AIDS success and emphasizing water, electricity, roads, infrastructure, and social services, His Majesty the King acknowledged Eswatini’s strong performance on several fronts. Yet he also challenged stakeholders to accelerate in areas where progress lags. His message is clear: it’s not enough to merely reach food security, health, or access goals — Eswatini must build systems in which citizens, communities, and regions control how food is grown, distributed, and consumed.
If Lubombo, Manzini, Hhohho and other regions intensify their efforts — especially in irrigation, infrastructure, value addition, climate resilience, and local governance — the path to food sovereignty (in which communities determine their own food systems) becomes more plausible.
