BY MBONGENI NDLELA
EZULWINI- Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has called on Eswatini’s ambassadors to take a leading role in accelerating the country’s economic transformation by actively promoting investment, partnerships, and national priorities abroad.
Speaking during a high-level consultative meeting with ambassadors held at Royal Villas in Ezulwini, the Premier outlined government’s ambitious development agenda, urging diplomats to align their work with national goals and become proactive economic agents for the Kingdom.
At the centre of his address was government’s Programme of Action (POA), a five-year framework anchored on six key priorities including economic growth, infrastructure development, and human capital advancement. He emphasized that achieving these goals requires strong collaboration between government and its missions abroad.
“The Programme is ambitious, but it is achievable, provided that it is embraced collectively and implemented with discipline,” he said.
The PM revealed that government has set a bold target of 12% GDP growth, describing it as both ambitious and realistic. He highlighted that sustained double-digit growth is essential for improving the livelihoods of emaSwati and positioning the country among transformed economies globally.
“International experience demonstrates that for economic growth to be sustainable… it must be sustained at double-digit levels,” he noted.
Ambassadors were encouraged to thoroughly understand government policies and confidently communicate them in their respective countries of accreditation. This, he said, would help unlock opportunities in investment, tourism, and development cooperation.
“It is imperative that all Heads of Mission acquaint themselves thoroughly with this policy framework… to stimulate interest in strategic partnerships and attract investment,” he said.
The PM further introduced the Grand Plan for National Transformation, a long-term 30-year strategy designed to guide Eswatini’s development journey. He described it as the most comprehensive blueprint the country has produced, integrating governance, social development, and economic transformation.
He also challenged diplomats to adopt a business-minded approach in their roles, constantly identifying opportunities and promoting key national projects.
“The new ambassador role is not just that of a diplomat but one who also thinks like a business person,” he said.
The meeting reaffirmed government’s commitment to leveraging diplomacy as a powerful tool for economic progress, with ambassadors positioned as key drivers of Eswatini’s growth story on the global stage.
(Courtesy Pic)
