Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu represented Eswatini at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, held recently to advance global efforts for ocean protection and sustainable use.
Despite being landlocked, Eswatini’s economy and food security depend heavily on healthy oceans due to its reliance on maritime trade routes for exports. At the Africa for the Ocean Summit, co-hosted by France and Morocco, Prime Minister Dlamini called for unity and action across Africa to safeguard ocean resources.
“Though Eswatini has no coastline, our economy, climate, and food systems are deeply connected to ocean health,” Dlamini told international leaders, highlighting the kingdom’s commitment to the continent’s maritime goals.
He pointed to Eswatini’s 2024-2029 Programme of Action, driven by the Nkwe Mandate from King Mswati III, aiming for 12% GDP growth through sustainable development and regional integration. The Prime Minister praised initiatives like Morocco’s Atlantic African States Initiative, which supports landlocked countries’ access to global markets through maritime corridors.
Eswatini’s proactive approach to climate change was also noted at the conference, with the country’s dedicated Climate Change Office and National Climate Change Finance Strategy designed to help adapt to environmental impacts tied to ocean degradation. The government’s recent plastic ban was applauded as part of its commitment to protecting the environment.
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