The African Development Bank (AfDB) has greenlit Eswatini’s 2025–2030 Country Strategy Paper (CSP), a roadmap to drive structural reforms and foster an inclusive, climate-resilient, and diversified economy. Aligned with Eswatini’s National Development Plan (2023–2028) and the Bank’s High-5 priorities, the strategy targets critical bottlenecks hindering the nation’s economic progress.
Eswatini’s Finance Minister, Neal Rijkenberg, hailed the CSP’s continuity with past AfDB initiatives, stating it provides “long-term sustainability for our development agenda.” The strategy prioritizes two pillars: upgrading climate-resilient infrastructure (transport, energy, water/sanitation) to cut business costs and bolstering private sector competitiveness to spur high-value industries.
Leila Mokaddem, AfDB Director General for Southern Africa, called the CSP a “pivotal moment,” emphasizing investments to position Eswatini as a regional leader in renewable energy, agro-industry, and infrastructure. A projected $1.02 billion in sovereign and non-sovereign funding will target transformative outcomes by 2030, including a 48% drop in regional transport costs, doubled agricultural productivity in key areas, and expanded electricity access. Additional goals include faster business registration, reduced public expenditure arrears, and securing anchor investors for the Mukhondo Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project.
Cross-cutting themes—gender equality, youth empowerment, climate resilience, and public health—will be integrated into projects, with skills training embedded in infrastructure programs to boost youth and women’s employability.
The AfDB’s active portfolio in Eswatini has surged from $222.5 million in 2020 to $480.1 million as of November 2024, underscoring deepened collaboration. “This focused strategy ensures each investment delivers maximum impact,” Mokaddem stressed, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to Eswatini’s ambition as a sustainable development hub.
