Mbabane – The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini released its end-of-year report for 2025, detailing progress across economic, social, education, health, disaster management, and international affairs. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini said the year was peaceful, with the government advancing efforts to tackle unemployment, poor service delivery, economic stagnation, corruption, and challenges in health and education. The long-term Grand Plan for National Transformation, developed under the “Nkwe Programme of Action,” has been completed and awaits adoption following consultations with Parliament and key stakeholders.
International engagement
Eswatini assumed several leadership roles in the international community. His Majesty King Mswati III was appointed incoming chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security (Troika), and the country was elected president of the Global Council for Political Renewal for 2025–2028. Eswatini also secured a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council representing Southern Africa for the same term and chaired the Bureau of the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning, and Integration. Former Cabinet Minister Moses Vilakati was elected AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment.
Eswatini established diplomatic relations with Belarus, Belize, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan, while new embassies opened in Saudi Arabia and India. The country hosted the first-ever Conference of African Traditional Leaders, gathering kings, queens, chiefs, and traditional authorities from across Africa and the diaspora. 
Economic performance and investment
The country’s economy showed resilience, recording a 3.4 percent increase in Real GDP in the second quarter. Government attracted E4.77 billion in investment commitments, created over 4 700 jobs, and announced pipeline projects worth over E38 billion. Investments spanned mining, renewable energy, and industrialisation initiatives, including land allocations for a new industrial park and Taiwan’s commitment to establish another park at Nokwane.
Government launched the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) to streamline investor services, improved border management, and supported SMEs through the MSME Digital Marketplace. E12.5 million from the MSME Revolving Fund assisted 317 enterprises, while over 1 000 MSMEs received training in business planning, digital marketing, and financial literacy.
Energy, water, and infrastructure
Rural electrification through the Rural Electrification Access Fund reached 2 900 communities, with 6 000 households connected under the Shiselweni Network Reinforcement and Access project. Government signed a 40MW power purchase agreement with Ubombo Sugar and launched the 75MW Anthem Tsamela Solar Project, aiming for energy self-sufficiency by 2028. A 60-day strategic fuel reserve facility with 80 million litres capacity is under construction. Talks are ongoing with South Africa for a new 10-year power purchase agreement. Water infrastructure was expanded in 18 tinkhundla through a partnership with World Vision.
Disaster management
The Eswatini Drought Centre of Excellence was launched as a SADC regional hub for drought resilience. The National Disaster Management Agency also introduced the Eswatini Flying Lab for drone-based disaster response and the Composite Drought Index – Eswatini platform for early warning. Severe storms damaged houses, roads, and bridges, with 127 households assisted and E76 million allocated for recovery. A Foot and Mouth disease outbreak is being addressed with E40 million committed, while an additional E57 million is required for vaccines.
Tinkhundla and local development
The government expanded Tinkhundla services to communities, conducting consultations on the Local Government Bill and establishing a public engagement framework. E106 million was disbursed to 74 projects benefiting 8 875 citizens and creating 317 jobs.
Education and youth development
The Competency-Based Education curriculum was rolled out to better align students’ skills with job market needs. The government filled 1 735 education sector posts, converting 1 311 temporary teaching positions to permanent. Youth programmes included the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund, with E4.5 million approved and E3.4 million disbursed, mentorship platforms for entrepreneurs, regional arts centres, and a recording studio. 115 youth received CV development training, while the Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP), supported by the World Bank, was launched to create jobs through skills development and entrepreneurship.
Health sector improvements
Hospital infrastructure was upgraded, including Pigg’s Peak, Ndunayithini, Mankayane, and Mfishane. Mobile cancer and TB screening clinics were commissioned, a new CT scanner procured for Mbabane and Manzini Government Hospitals, and a Cancer Tissue Processor installed with Taiwan’s support. Policy measures were developed for a private, locally-owned cancer hospital in Manzini. NERCHA and the Ministry of Health rolled out Lenacapavir to reduce HIV infection among youth. A new E4.1 billion compact with the United States supports HIV prevention. Drug stock levels improved, lodging for renal patients at Mbabane Government Hospital was constructed, and the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency was established for efficient procurement and distribution of medicines.
Social safety net
Government built 114 new houses and rehabilitated 274 in 2025, with modern designs for elderly residents. Over the past decade, 631 houses were built and 1 410 rehabilitated. Scholarships for government-sponsored tertiary students increased from E1 600 to E2 000 per month. Food assistance reached 263 090 citizens in 58 201 households, while 19 436 OVCs benefited from the Education Grant Programme. Elderly grant beneficiaries rose to 87 861 and disability grant beneficiaries to 17 193.
Technology and smart infrastructure
Internet access expanded to 48 Tinkhundla centres, five border posts, five rural clinics, and other government facilities. Smart City infrastructure in Mbabane, including a 5G government network and surveillance cameras, was installed in partnership with Taiwan.
Legislative and labour developments
Parliament passed 19 bills, including the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Bill, Disaster Risk Management Bill, Legal Aid Bill, Finance Amendment Bill, and Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency Bill. Salary adjustments for public servants and uniformed forces were implemented. Government called for adherence to labour laws and inclusivity, warning against abuse in workplaces.
Agriculture and mindset change
Bean production rose from 377MT to 1 039MT. Over E40 million in soft loans was disbursed to farmers, and agreements with the USA, John Deere, and Standard Bank will provide 250 tractors over five years. The Mpakeni Dam is 46 percent complete. Citizens were urged to unite, support local businesses, and develop patriotism.
Corruption and governance
Corruption remains a challenge across government. Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to support national transformation.
Prime Minister Dlamini thanked development partners, the private sector, and the diplomatic community, wishing all citizens a safe transition into 2026 and a successful Incwala ceremony.
