By Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE – In a groundbreaking start to 2025, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has outlined Eswatini’s ambitious vision for economic growth and development. Addressing the nation in the first “Finance in Focus” episode of the year, the Minister emphasized government’s optimistic outlook, bolstered by significant projects aimed at transforming the economy and uplifting communities.
“We are looking at an 8.3% growth for 2025, the highest in a very, very long time,” said Rijkenberg.
This promising projection follows years of recovery and expansion, with the country experiencing double-digit growth in government expenditure during 2023 and 2024, driving consistent economic stimulation.
A Beacon of Opportunity: The Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Project
Among the flagship initiatives discussed, the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma project stands out as a transformative endeavor.
“This is a project I am personally very proud of,” Neal stated.
“At an estimated cost of E30 billion, it’s not just the largest but arguably one of the best projects Eswatini has ever undertaken,” he said.
The project spans two critical catchment areas, Mkhondvo and Ngwavuma, and aims to harness the region’s water resources to irrigate up to 30,000 hectares of farmland.
The keystone of the initiative is the ongoing construction of the Mpakeni Dam, accompanied by a canal to transport water to irrigated zones.
Neal explained, “Currently, the dam will irrigate about 8 000 hectares, but with plans for additional dams and a pipeline under the Shatukulu mountain range, we aim to triple that capacity.”
He said this ambitious scheme aligns with Eswatini’s broader goal of addressing poverty and inequality, particularly in rural areas.
“Our most fertile soils are in the Lavumisa area, which also happens to have the highest poverty rates,” Rijkenberg noted. By channeling water to these lands, government hopes to unlock their agricultural potential and improve livelihoods.
Driving Economic Transformation
The project, spearheaded by the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (E-WADE), is designed to do more than just irrigate land. It promises to catalyze the rural economy by creating thousands of jobs and supporting community-driven farming companies.
“E-WADE has a proven track record,” Rijkenberg highlighted.
“They have been instrumental in organizing farmer groups, enabling the land to be used commercially, and lifting people out of poverty, ” he said.
The envisioned crops include cotton and others that could feed directly into Eswatini’s growing textile industry.
“This means jobs not only in farming but also in processing and production—creating a value chain that spans from the soil to the factory floor, ”he said.
Expanding Opportunities
The ripple effects of the Mkondvo-Ngwavuma project extend beyond agriculture. The construction phase alone is already generating employment, and the subsequent infrastructure—such as shops, supply chains, and logistics—promises to stimulate local economies.
“There will be countless opportunities for Emaswati, from vendors to logistics companies,” Rijkenberg said, urging citizens to seize the moment.
“The first irrigated areas will begin operations around 2027-2028, and from then on, we anticipate exponential growth,” he said.
Hydropower is another exciting aspect of the project. The proposed pipeline connecting dams is expected to create opportunities for hydroelectric schemes. “The fall of water along the canal offers a natural advantage,” the Minister added. “We see this as a chance to integrate renewable energy into our development plans, ”he said.
Financial Backing and National Unity
Securing loans for such a massive project is no small feat, but government is committed to ensuring its success.
“We’ve already obtained financing for the dams and canals, and the next phase involves loans for the additional dams and distribution networks,” Rijkenberg explained.
The Minister also called on the nation to unite behind this vision, encouraging individuals and businesses to identify areas where they can contribute.
“This is a project for all of us,” he emphasized.
“The government is laying the groundwork, but its full impact depends on how we, as a nation, harness these opportunities, ”he said.
Looking Ahead
Rijkenberg concluded his address by promising to keep citizens informed about other transformative projects in the pipeline.
“We want people to understand what the government is doing and how these projects will expand,” he said.
As Eswatini embarks on this ambitious journey, the Mkondvo-Ngwavuma project represents a beacon of hope and opportunity. Its success could redefine the nation’s economic landscape, turning challenges into opportunities and delivering prosperity to communities that need it most.
