Eswatini Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, has stressed the critical role State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) will play in advancing the government’s Programme of Action, which is aimed at transforming the country into a prosperous, inclusive, and stable nation by 2030. Speaking at a colloquium with the Eswatini Public Enterprises Association (ESPEA) on January 30, 2025, Dlamini outlined a framework for SOEs to partner with the government to address national challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
Dlamini acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by many SOEs, including under-funding, and urged their leaders to devise innovative solutions to navigate these obstacles. He emphasized that Eswatini’s journey towards prosperity could not be achieved in isolation and that collaboration between the government and private sector was key.
The Prime Minister presented eight key areas for SOEs to focus on in order to align with the government’s vision. These include improving corporate governance, pursuing sound growth strategies, and driving economic development through investment in infrastructure, energy, and telecommunications. SOEs were also urged to adopt digital transformation, support employment creation, and integrate sustainable practices into their operations.
Dlamini also outlined the government’s broader strategy, which includes an ambitious economic growth target of 12% over the next five years. This goal will be fueled by major investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing, as well as a focus on creating a green economy. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline, wealth creation, and the need for a robust public sector to drive efficient service delivery.
He concluded by reiterating the importance of SOEs in achieving Eswatini’s national vision and urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the successful implementation of the Programme of Action.
