BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Eswatini’s newly commissioned United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030 has expanded its development partnership base following the inclusion of five additional United Nations agencies, marking a significant strengthening of international cooperation aimed at accelerating national development priorities.
The expansion brings onboard the International Fund for Agricultural Development (International Fund for Agricultural Development), International Trade Centre (International Trade Centre), International Telecommunication Union (International Telecommunication Union), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa) and UN-Habitat (UN-Habitat), increasing the total number of participating agencies under the framework to 21.
The development was confirmed during the inaugural Joint National Steering Committee (JNSC) meeting held at the UN House in Mbabane on May 21, 2026, where Government of Eswatini and the United Nations jointly reviewed and adopted the Joint Work Plans for the 2026–2027 implementation period.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Eswatini, George Wachira, said the broadened partnership demonstrates growing international confidence in Eswatini’s development trajectory and enhances the technical capacity available to support national priorities across key sectors.
He noted that each agency brings specialised expertise aligned with priority areas under the UNSDCF 2026–2030, including agriculture, trade and industry, digital transformation, urban development and macroeconomic planning.
“All 21 participating agencies bring technical and specialised expertise that will support the effective implementation of the Cooperation Framework,” Wachira said.
The addition of the five agencies comes as Eswatini and the United Nations intensify efforts to accelerate economic transformation, strengthen public service delivery and advance the country’s aspiration towards high-income status.
IFAD is expected to support agricultural productivity, rural development and food security initiatives, while ITC will focus on trade facilitation, export development, entrepreneurship and improved market access for local enterprises.
The ITU will play a key role in advancing digital infrastructure, telecommunications development and innovation ecosystems, particularly in support of youth empowerment and digital inclusion programmes.
UNECA will provide policy advisory services, economic analysis and development planning support, strengthening national capacity for evidence-based decision-making and investment promotion, while UN-Habitat will contribute expertise in sustainable urban development, housing and climate-resilient cities.
Minister of Economic Planning and Development Thambo Gina welcomed the expanded partnership, saying it strengthens Eswatini’s ability to implement coordinated and impactful development programmes aligned with the National Development Plan 2023–2028.
Gina said the inclusion of more specialised agencies reflects the growing importance of multilateral partnerships in addressing socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment and inequality.
The UNSDCF 2026–2030 remains the central cooperation framework guiding development collaboration between Eswatini and the United Nations system over the next five years.
It prioritises inclusive economic growth, governance reforms, environmental sustainability, health, education and social development through coordinated interventions supported by government, development partners and the private sector.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the expanded partnership will improve resource mobilisation, strengthen technical assistance and accelerate implementation of national transformation programmes.
Officials further noted that strengthened coordination among partners will ensure better alignment of programmes, reduce duplication of efforts and enhance measurable results across sectors, ultimately supporting Eswatini’s long-term vision for sustainable and inclusive economic growth and improved livelihoods for all citizens nationwide development goals over time effectively now.
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(Courtesy Pic)
