– Government finances have opened 2026 on a stable and confident note, with salaries secured, supplier payments improving and major funding injections set to unlock stalled projects.
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Eswatini has entered 2026 on a firm financial footing, with government revenues flowing in, salaries secured, and outstanding payments being steadily cleared, signalling renewed confidence for businesses, suppliers and development partners.
Speaking during a Finance in Focus update, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg confirmed that the latest Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenue tranche has already been received, immediately strengthening government liquidity at the start of the year.
“At the moment, we have the SACU money for the quarter. It has just landed this week in the Ministry of Finance, or rather the Central Bank, and we are now busy spending it,” Rijkenberg said.
SUPPLIER PAYMENTS CATCHING UP
The Minister revealed that most government suppliers are already up to date, following improved tax collections and funding support received in December. Only a limited balance remains outstanding, which is now being addressed.
“Over December, we really had caught up on suppliers quite well. There’s only a few hundred million that is outstanding still, and that will now be caught up with the SACU money,” he said.
CIVIL SERVANT SALARIES FULLY COVERED
Rijkenberg also assured public servants that salaries are secure, with January wages—and those for the rest of the quarter—fully funded through a Central Bank advance linked to SACU revenues.
“We are in safe territory there. We already have the money for salaries, and there is no problem at all with that,” he emphasised.
US$50 MILLION (E950M) BOOST TO ACCELERATE PROJECTS
In another major boost, government is expecting US$50 million (about E950 million) from the OPEC Fund before the end of January. The funds are expected to clear remaining payment backlogs and unlock delayed government projects.
“We are confident that this money will really bring us up to date with our outstanding payments and make sure projects catch up, so that we end the year in a good place from an implementation perspective,” the Minister said.
INTENSIVE BUDGET PROCESS UNDERWAY
Rijkenberg confirmed that preparations for the 2026/27 national budget are in full swing, describing this period as one of the busiest in the Ministry of Finance calendar.
“Between now and the end of March, it’s a very difficult and very busy time for us, trying to get the budget finalised and approved through all the required stages,” he said.
While acknowledging pressure from the recent salary review, the Minister expressed confidence in government’s ability to meet national priorities.
“Sometimes the budget doesn’t fulfil all the wants, but we believe it will fulfil everything that we need to do,” he noted.
OPTIMISM FOR 2026
Concluding on a positive note, Rijkenberg said the year has started well and highlighted the importance of a strong private sector in driving national progress.
“The success in the private sector means success for government. It really is a partnership, and we believe 2026 is going to be a good year for us all,” he said.
