Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has presented Eswatini’s budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, totaling E32.61 billion. This year’s budget includes a significant 14.4% increase in capital project funding, with E7.25 billion allocated. Key sectors receiving funding include education, health, roads, and social grants.
A major focus is the health sector, which will receive E3.10 billion. The government plans to address the ongoing medication shortage by transforming the Central Medical Stores into a semi-autonomous entity. E40 million has been allocated to ensure timely procurement, proper storage, and distribution of medicines. Additionally, the government will continue its partnership with the US Government’s PEPFAR program to support HIV care and treatment.
The education sector will receive E5.41 billion, with significant allocations for scholarships and school feeding programs. The government has increased funding for scholarships by E55.30 million, bringing the total to E702.35 million. This will support 4,450 students, including 80 who will study abroad in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Eswatini has also allocated E140 million to support the construction of factory shells aimed at creating job opportunities. Projects like the Johnson Workwear factory shell and the reconstruction of the Hlathikhulu factory shell are expected to generate thousands of jobs.
In agriculture, the government is investing E65 million into smallholder farmers through subsidies and tractor hire programs. E230 million has been earmarked for the LUSIP II irrigation project, while an additional E30.40 million will address livestock issues, including stock theft and animal disease control.
The government is increasing support for vulnerable populations by raising the elderly grant by 20%, adding E100 to the monthly allowance, which will bring it to E600. Another E105 million has been allocated to increase the number of persons with disabilities receiving grants.
For infrastructure, E1.21 billion has been allocated to road construction and maintenance, including rural road surfacing and major rehabilitation projects. This is part of a broader effort to improve the country’s transportation network.
Additionally, Eswatini is advancing digital transformation with a planned government service portal, “Government in Your Hand.” E354.53 million has been set aside to support the development of this platform, which will integrate public services online, with self-service booths placed in key public locations.
