Mbabane – The Eswatini Institute of Management and Public Administration (EIMPA) is set to be transformed into the Eswatini School of Governance under government’s Programme of Action (2024/25–2028/29).
The Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Public Service Mthunzi Shabangu announced the plan during a meeting with EIMPA staff on Monday, saying the transformation was one of government’s priorities under the Nkwe Mandate.
He said the institution would be repositioned from its current role as a management development institute into a national centre for governance, leadership, public administration, research and executive education.
“The transformation goes beyond changing the institution’s name. It is about repositioning EIMPA into a modern, nationally and regionally recognized centre of excellence,” the minister said.
He said government envisaged an institution that would offer internationally benchmarked programmes in governance, public administration, public finance, digital government, public policy, monitoring and evaluation, while also strengthening research to support government policy and decision-making.
According to the minister, the transformation process will include a needs assessment and market analysis, upgrading infrastructure and digital learning systems, and strengthening the institutes’s governance structures.
Shabangu also sought to dispel speculation surrounding EIMPA’s collaboration with the Institute of Development Management (IDM), saying the arrangement should not be viewed as a merger.
He said IDM would remain an independent institution, with the partnership intended to allow the two institutions to pool expertise and resources in support of EIMPA’s transformation.
The minister further acknowledged that EIMPA had continued to offer training, research, consultancy and capacity-building programmes despite operating without a substantive principal for an extended period.
He commended Acting Principal and Dean of Studies Mrs. Gamedze for steering the institution during the transition and encouraged staff to contribute to the transformation process.
Shabangu said the establishment of the School of Governance was aimed at developing a capable, ethical and professional public service to support improved service delivery.
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