BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE— Governments of Eswatini and Italy have elevated their cooperation to new heights. On October 7, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane, the two nations signed an upgraded Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that doubles financial investment and broadens the scope of their joint environmental initiatives.
Doubling Investment for a Sustainable Future
The previous five-year partnership, valued at US $3 million (approximately E69 million), supported projects including a state-of-the-art weather prediction station, solar panel installations, and specialized training for local climate experts. This new MOU raises the investment to US $6 million (about E138 million), signaling a strong shared commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
Expanding the Climate Agenda
Unlike earlier agreements that focused mainly on climate change mitigation, the upgraded MOU incorporates climate governance and environmental administration. Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Khangeziwe Mabuza, explained that the agreement will empower communities through practical initiatives.
“The new MOU extends beyond climate change issues to include climate governance and administration. We look forward to implementing these activities at the community level, with initiatives like our 5,000-strong climate change management teams leading the way,” she said.
Private Sector: A Key Player
Italian Ambassador Gabriele Annis emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in ensuring the long-term success of climate projects.
“For these projects to be sustainable, there needs to be private sector intervention after public investment. Eswatini presents a strategic hub in Southern Africa, offering interesting opportunities for trade and investment for Italian companies,” he noted.
A Continental Example
UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin praised Eswatini’s leadership in climate action, pointing out that the country is setting an example for others across Africa and the world.
“Eswatini is paving the way for demonstrating, at both the continental and global level, how a relatively small, land-linked country can champion climate adaptation and mitigation while moving towards a low-carbon economy,” Franklin said.
A Partnership for the Future
This strengthened partnership between Eswatini and Italy is more than a diplomatic agreement, it’s a strategic step toward building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future. By blending innovation, governance, and strong community engagement, the two countries are creating a blueprint for impactful climate action in the Southern African region.
(Courtesy Pics)
