Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has stressed the importance of maritime corridors in linking Eswatini’s economy to global markets, describing oceans as vital to trade, food security, and climate resilience. He spoke at the Africa for the Ocean Summit in Nice, France, held alongside the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference.
Though Eswatini is landlocked, the Prime Minister said the country recognises the critical role oceans play in Africa’s future. He tied this to the government’s Programme of Action (2024-2029), which aims for inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and regional integration.
Dlamini praised initiatives like Morocco’s Atlantic African States Initiative, which helps landlocked and Sahelian countries gain better access to Atlantic maritime routes. He said such regional cooperation is key to enabling all African nations to benefit from the blue economy.
The Prime Minister also called for collective efforts to tackle ocean challenges like overfishing, pollution, and rising sea levels. Eswatini supports African-led projects that promote cooperation and investment in marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries, ensuring landlocked states are part of ocean resource management.
He described the ocean as a shared heritage crucial to the continent’s ecological balance, climate regulation, and economic growth.
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