BY THEMBA ZWANE
MANZINI– The Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has officially launched the World Vision Eswatini Strategic Plan 2026-2030 funded to a tune of at least E1.159 billion (US$68 Million).
The five-year strategy was officially launched by the premier on 19 March 2026 at the Mavuso Exhibition Centre.
The money to fund this five-year strategy was confirmed by World Vision Eswatini National Director Amos Zaindi during his presentation at the launch.
Present during the event were senior government officials which included Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr Tambo Gina and Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima as well as principal secretaries (PSs) from different ministries among other officials.
Explaining the money breakdown, Zaindi said E410.9 million will go to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, E219.9 million will go to Disaster Response and Preparedness, E163.7 million will be directed to Food Security and Economic Empowerment, E131.3 million will be used for Child Protection and Advocacy.
There is also another E131.3 million directed to Health, Nutrition and HIV, E98.4 million will be used for Sponsorship Operations and E13.2 million is to be used for Cross Cutting, including Faith and Development and GEDSI.
In his remarks, the PM said it was both an honour and a privilege for him to stand and celebrate with World Vision Eswatini as they launched the World Vision Eswatini Country Strategy for 2026 to 2030.
“On a personal note, this occasion marks a return to my roots, reflecting on my involvement with World Vision’s earlier initiatives. I am deeply humbled and inspired to introduce a new strategic direction – one that will shape our collective future. This strategy affirms that genuine progress derives from steadfast dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision for improvement, rather than isolated achievements,” he said.
The PM noted that it was heartening to witness how the groundwork laid in previous years has matured into an ambitious plan, devoted to uplifting children, empowering communities, and advancing Eswatini’s developmental aspirations. For over three decades, World Vision has partnered with the Kingdom of Eswatini, serving its most vulnerable children and communities. The organisation’s global presence, spanning nearly one hundred countries, speaks to an unwavering commitment to those most in need.
He said the theme of the launch, “From Policy to Impact”, resonates strongly with government’s national agenda. He said the recent Cabinet Retreat reiterated the government’s pledge to results-driven governance, prioritising tangible outcomes over mere policy development. He urged attendants to remember that drafting policies from the comfort of their offices serves little purpose unless translated into concrete improvements for women and children throughout Eswatini. He noted the era of strategies gathering dust must be left behind; the time demands practical, coordinated, and impactful action. The “Nkwe” Mandate compels them to act with urgency and purpose.
“His Majesty’s Government has established a robust framework through the Nkwe Programme of Action 2024–2029, aspiring for an annual economic growth rate of 12%. This ambition is not the government’s alone – it requires the alignment of resources and efforts from all development partners. Together, we persist in fostering conditions where every child can enjoy life in its fullness, supported by sound policies and strengthened institutions,” he said.
He added that Eswatini was privileged with considerable strengths in agriculture, industrialisation, and information technology – pillars that sustain the livelihoods of many. By focusing investment and innovation in these sectors,he said they could expedite progress toward food security, job creation, and the economic growth envisioned in their Programme of Action.
“Our potential is undeniable. Attaining double-digit growth is achievable if we unite under a common vision and pursue it with discipline and urgency. Our youth are not a challenge, but our greatest resource and economic driving force. Any successful programme must invest meaningfully in skills development, technical and vocational education, and entrepreneurship. Through such investment, we can transform the current youth unemployment rate of 58.2% into a demographic advantage, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
He noted that in today’s digital era, Information and Communications Technology forms the backbone of a modern economy. The World Vision Strategy’s dedication to innovation and transformative finance was commendable and deserved government recognition.
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