By Mfanufikile Khathwane
MBABANE- The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Appolo Maphalala (MP), has identified the localisation of development programmes as the most critical step towards achieving meaningful progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking at the Twelfth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, which began on April 28 and concludes on April 30, 2026, Maphalala emphasised that development must be driven from the community level to have real impact.
He said empowering local governments to take the lead in planning and implementation was essential, as they are best positioned to understand and respond to the needs of communities.
A key issue raised by the Minister was the need for a harmonised system of resource sharing and coordination across local government structures. He noted that without alignment, development efforts risk being fragmented and less effective.
Hon. Appolo Maphalala further highlighted the importance of strengthening data collection at local level, describing it as a critical tool for tracking progress and shaping responsive policies.
“We need integrated data systems that allow information to move from communities to district and national levels. This will help ensure that development planning is based on real, lived experiences,” he said.
He also pointed to financial constraints as a major challenge affecting local governments, calling for improved support systems to enhance their capacity to deliver on development goals.
The Minister said the forum provides an important platform for African countries to exchange practical solutions and share success stories that can accelerate progress across the continent.
Eswatini continues to use such platforms to advocate for people-centred development, with a strong focus on ensuring that no community is left behind.
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