BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE– Eswatini is looking to harness its natural wealth as a driver of sustainable economic growth, with renewable energy, green innovation and sustainable tourism identified as key opportunities for the country.
Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane said Eswatini’s forests, biodiversity and pristine ecosystems should not be viewed as limitations to development, but as valuable assets capable of supporting investment, innovation and long-term prosperity.
The Minister was speaking at the ongoing ICSE International Sustainability Summit Eswatini 2026. “Sustainability is not a constraint on growth, it is the foundation of modern competitiveness,” Mkhonta said.
She said the country was moving away from the outdated perception that environmental protection limits industrial growth, emphasising that Eswatini’s natural resources could provide a foundation for a more competitive economy.
“Pristine ecosystems, protected forests and rich biodiversity are not barriers to prosperity, they are the non-negotiable foundation of modern competitiveness and natural wealth,” she said.
The Minister said the priority was now to transform these assets into practical economic opportunities through renewable energy, circular waste systems, eco-innovation, youth-led green enterprises and world-class sustainable tourism.
She further highlighted Eswatini’s efforts to move beyond environmental compliance by positioning Sustainability, Health and Environment (SHE) as a driver of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) excellence.
She said the approach was being aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ESG frameworks and ISO systems, strengthening the country’s broader sustainability agenda.
Mkhonta-Simelane called for a shift from sustainability commitments to implementation, with greater emphasis on local action, investment and measurable impact.
“This is the moment to move from ambition to execution – to turn sustainability commitments into local action, investment and lasting impact,” she said.
The Minister’s message places Eswatini’s environmental resources at the centre of its development ambitions, with the country seeking to use its natural wealth to stimulate green investment, innovation, enterprise development and sustainable tourism.
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(Courtesy Pic)
