BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – Eswatini is positioning itself to mobilise greater financial resources for environmental protection and climate action through the transformation of the National Environment Fund into a Mega National Environment Fund.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs under Hon. Minister Jane Mkhonta, seeks to create a stronger national mechanism capable of mobilising and coordinating financing for major environmental and climate programmes. These include land degradation, sustainable water management, chemicals and waste management, ecosystem and biodiversity management, and climate change.
A Technical Advisory Committee has been established to guide the transformation and provide technical expertise, oversight and strategic direction as the Fund evolves into a mechanism capable of supporting large-scale national programmes.
Minister Mkhonta said the envisioned Fund would support initiatives that safeguard biodiversity, promote renewable energy, advance climate-smart agriculture and empower communities to adapt to the effects of climate change.
The committee brings together expertise from several sectors, including the Ministries of Economic Planning and Development, Finance, Agriculture, and Justice and Constitutional Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Representatives from key environmental state-owned enterprises and an independent legal expert have also been included to strengthen the committee’s capacity.
The transformation is further supported by regional cooperation, with Namibia’s Environment Investment Fund providing technical guidance and institutional experience to assist Eswatini in strengthening its national environmental financing mechanism. Minister Mkhonta described the partnership as an example of African cooperation in responding to shared environmental challenges.
The initiative is expected to build on collaboration between government, the private sector, civil society organisations, development partners and technical experts, while placing emphasis on integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of resources.
The planned Mega National Environment Fund therefore presents an opportunity for Eswatini to strengthen its ability to attract and coordinate financing for sustainable development while supporting communities and ecosystems in building greater climate resilience.
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