Policy Statement.

The Policy Statement is a government document that provides clear strategic direction to guide Eswatini toward achieving developed-country status by 2030. The nation’s vision is to transition from a lower-middle-income to a high-income country. Specifically, the Government envisions “A well-developed, inclusive, peaceful, stable, and economically prosperous Kingdom of Eswatini, grounded in cultural values and ensuring the well-being of all emaSwati.” Aligned with the National Development Strategy and Plan, the Mission of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini is to provide leadership and drive the implementation of comprehensive strategies and programs aimed at transforming the economy. The Policy Statement provides general directions, which include (i) achieving high-income, developed country status by 2030; (ii) promoting economic transformation, poverty reduction, and enhanced governance, in particular promoting industrialization and supporting mega investments and growth in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and services; (iii) fostering investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. The document identifies the following strategic priorities (i) economic growth through industrialization and investment; (ii) infrastructure development (energy, transport, ICT, hospitals, education); (iii) agricultural transformation and food security; (iv) human capital development (education and skills).
The Policy Statement addresses several key sectors, among others (i) Climate change: Eswatini aims to mitigate climate impacts through its National Adaptation and Resilience Strategies while pursuing economic growth. The 2020–2030 NDC Implementation Plan, covering 12 priority areas from agriculture to disaster risk reduction, is stakeholder-driven and will be continuously updated online to ensure inclusive climate action and support global efforts to limit warming; (ii) Energy: The country seeks to transition to a green economy by expanding renewable energy generation via solar, geothermal, and hydropower, supplemented by gas imports from friendly neighbors. Simultaneously, abundant mineral resources will be harnessed to provide affordable baseload energy, supporting industrial growth and energy security; (iii) Disaster risk reduction: In response to increasing natural hazards, the government will prioritize disaster risk management by strengthening institutions and securing funding. A comprehensive framework will be established, including a disaster risk finance strategy, dedicated fund, resilience strategy, and new disaster management law, making Eswatini resilient to common hazards; (iv) Agriculture: Agriculture will be leveraged to create wealth, generate youth employment, and elevate it as a high-return profession through commercialization, mechanization, and strong market systems. The sector will be climate-resilient to ensure food security and sovereignty, supported by government-led production on state farms and policies that empower farmers. The Agricultural Extension Policy will be updated, strategies for sustainable, healthy food production will be developed, and GMO regulations strengthened to maintain an organic, green economy.