BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – The 2025 Cabinet Retreat opened with a powerful and reflective statement from Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, setting the tone for a critical year in Eswatini’s development journey.
With an ambitious agenda, the government outlined its achievements, challenges, and strategic priorities aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing service delivery, and securing national transformation.
Celebrating stability amid adversity
The PM began by expressing gratitude for the peace that characterized 2024, a foundational element for progress. This stability, however, was tested by severe weather events that caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and threatened food security. Swift government intervention, supported by development partners, showcased resilience despite limited resources. The PM’s acknowledgement of these challenges underscored a government committed to addressing immediate and long-term needs.
Economic growth: a positive trajectory
The premier highlighted the encouraging economic indicators, notably the projected 8 per cent growth for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with a target of 12 per cent in sight. Such optimism is rooted in the implementation of a mid-term Programme of Action, emphasizing government-led exponential economic growth, mindset transformation, and improved public service efficiency. Key pillars of this strategy include food sovereignty, infrastructure development, and energy generation—essential components for sustained progress.
Transformative initiatives in infrastructure and energy
Government’s infrastructure agenda is ambitious, with plans to upgrade 483 kilometres of roads to paved standards. Additionally, the establishment of a Roads Agency is expected to enhance the construction and maintenance of vital transport networks. Energy generation also took center stage, with contracts issued to boost capacity to 198MW. However, achieving a sustainable baseload of 1,000MW remains a priority, necessitating greater collaboration with private investors.
Building for the future: Sovereign Wealth Fund
One of the most forward-looking initiatives is the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, aimed at stabilizing the economy and generating wealth for future generations. Drawing inspiration from countries that have successfully implemented similar funds, this initiative promises to provide a financial safety net and drive long-term economic growth.
Enhancing governance and service delivery
The PM acknowledged persistent challenges in governance, particularly inefficiencies in procurement and the slow implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS). An overhaul of the procurement system is set to be prioritized within the first quarter of the fiscal year. Furthermore, education and healthcare remain focal points, with strategies being developed to address drug shortages and resolve issues at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).
Leveraging natural resources
Eswatini’s mineral wealth represents a significant untapped opportunity. To maximize its benefits, the government has initiated the establishment of a state-owned mining company. With partners already showing interest, this initiative is poised to contribute significantly to national revenue and industrialization efforts.
A call for collective action
The PM’s statement emphasized the importance of collaboration among all sectors—public, private, and community, to achieve the ambitious targets outlined. Public engagement and innovative ideas are being actively encouraged, ensuring inclusivity in the development process.
Conclusion: charting a bold path forward
The premier’s opening statement at the Cabinet Retreat reflects a government determined to address systemic challenges while capitalizing on opportunities for growth and transformation. The combination of strategic planning, multi-sectoral collaboration, and a focus on sustainability positions Eswatini to achieve its ambitious goals. As the nation embarks on this pivotal journey, the call to action is clear: collective effort and innovation will be the cornerstone of Eswatini’s success in 2025 and beyond.
