MBABANE: Eswatini has officially welcomed its first locally based Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) representative, marking a new phase in cooperation on food security, agriculture and climate resilience.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu on Thursday received the credentials of Rosanne Marchesich, who has been appointed FAO Representative in Eswatini by FAO Director General Dr Qu Dongyu.
Marchesich’s appointment follows an agreement signed on October 14, 2025, between the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the FAO to establish a permanent FAO representation in Mbabane. 
The establishment of the office fulfils a commitment made by His Majesty King Mswati III during his visit to Rome in 2024 to attend the World Food Forum.
During the visit, the King announced Eswatini’s intention to host an FAO office in the Kingdom, pointing to the need for stronger cooperation in tackling food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among young people and women.
The commitment was later formalised through the Host Country Agreement signed in 2025 between Eswatini and the UN agency.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, representing His Majesty the King, signed the agreement at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The signing was witnessed by Senator Shakantu, Minister of Agriculture MP Mandla Tshawuke and other senior government officials.
The arrival of Marchesich and the establishment of the physical office in Mbabane are expected to deepen technical cooperation between Eswatini and the FAO, while allowing for closer oversight of projects and improved coordination of resources for farmers.
The locally based representation is also expected to support collaboration on climate smart agriculture, youth agribusiness initiatives and food security programmes across Eswatini’s four regions.
