BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGGS PEAK – The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) has intensified efforts to shape its 2025/26–2029/30 Strategic Plan, with officials using the second day of a three-day workshop at Piggs Peak Hotel to critically assess the Ministry’s current position and define its desired future.
The workshop brought together representatives from MEPD’s various departments and units, including Chief Economist Sifiso Mamba, for a day of robust discussions, analysis and collaborative planning guided by consultants from QLM Services.
The second day focused on understanding the internal and external factors that could influence the Ministry’s performance and strategic direction. Officials conducted a comprehensive Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis, while also examining the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) environment within which MEPD operates.
Building on these assessments, participants worked in groups to define their aspirations for the Ministry’s future. Among the key aspirations raised was the need for MEPD to deliver projects to communities more efficiently, embrace digital technology, promote inclusive and transformative economic growth, and strengthen responsive and equity-conscious budgeting.
Officials also highlighted the importance of creating a supportive and positive workplace, with clear career progression opportunities, effective succession planning and strategies to retain the Ministry’s human capital.
The discussions further emphasised MEPD’s role as a strong coordinator across Government, as well as its responsibility to undertake long-term diagnostic planning in support of a shared national vision for Eswatini.
A major component of the day’s deliberations was the review of the Ministry’s Vision, Mission and Values. Officials engaged in detailed discussions on the existing statements, examining whether each element accurately reflected MEPD’s mandate, responsibilities and future aspirations.
A refined Vision was subsequently tabled for discussion, positioning MEPD as the lead ministry responsible for strategic policy direction in comprehensive and adaptive economic planning, inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development, and effective project implementation in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The collaborative approach demonstrated during the workshop reflected the spirit of openness encouraged by Principal Secretary Thabsile Mlangeni during the opening session.
Officials from across the Ministry actively contributed ideas, challenged existing approaches and proposed improvements, ensuring that the Strategic Plan is shaped through broad participation and ownership by those who will ultimately be responsible for implementing it.
With the Ministry’s strategic identity becoming clearer, attention on the final day will turn towards translating the renewed vision into measurable results. Participants will focus on defining Key Performance Areas, strategic objectives, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and a detailed strategic action plan.
The three-day engagement is therefore providing MEPD with an opportunity to collectively chart a clear, measurable and forward-looking path that will guide the Ministry’s work over the next five years.
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(Courtesy Pic)
