Lobamba – The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) presented its Annual Performance Report for the 2025/26 financial year to the Senate Portfolio Committee this week, detailing economic gains and ongoing development initiatives across the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Honourable Minister Dr. E.T. Gina opened the session by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to report on the Ministry’s achievements. He reported that Eswatini’s economy showed resilience, with real GDP growth of 7.1% in the third quarter of 2025, inflation easing to 3.1%, and a positive outlook for 2026 driven by infrastructure projects, renewable energy, and private sector growth.
Key departmental achievements include strengthened governance and operational efficiency in the Administration Department, delivery of quarterly economic bulletins and GDP projections by the Macroeconomic Analysis and Research Unit, and progress on poverty reduction through the development of the National Development Plan Monitoring & Evaluation Framework and reports on child poverty and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Ministry highlighted notable progress in SDG 6 (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and SDG 7 (Clean and Affordable Energy). 
The Aid Coordination Section secured significant external funding, including US$19.75 million in bridge funding, US$205 million under a global health cooperation agreement, and additional grants from the European Union and Japan. The National Population Unit finalised the 8th Country Programme (2026-2030) and promoted population integration in development planning.
Infrastructure projects advanced under the Millennium Projects Management Unit, including work on the New Parliament Building, while the Micro Projects Programme completed 43 community projects and 324 capital projects, improving roads, hospitals, and health facilities such as CT scan installations. The SADC Unit enhanced regional cooperation, supporting Eswatini’s engagement in SADC summits, and the Central Statistical Office continued providing timely national statistics in preparation for the 2027 Population and Housing Census.
Senator Mkhonta raised concerns about the Regional Development Fund, questioning the measurable economic benefits. Minister Gina responded that the impact is currently based on anecdotal evidence and suggested site visits to observe progress.
Senator Ngwenya commended the Microprojects Programme for its contributions but cautioned against starting projects without secured budgets. Dr. Gina also updated the Committee on the International Convention Centre and Five-Star Hotel, confirming the exterior is complete while interior finishing touches, including light fixtures, remain.
