Mbabane- Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg has taken up a two-year term as Deputy Chair of the World Bank Group’s Africa Group I Constituency, placing Eswatini in a leadership position within a forum representing 23 African countries.
Rijkenberg assumed the position from Botswana’s Minister of Finance, Ndaba N. Gaolathe, who has since become chair of the constituency. The leadership change comes as the two ministers attend the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand.
The constituency provides a platform for its member countries to coordinate positions on international economic developments, financial cooperation and development priorities.
Eswatini’s Ministry of Finance described Rijkenberg’s appointment as an important step in the country’s engagement with the group, noting that it creates an opportunity for the kingdom to participate in discussions on economic and financial matters affecting member states.
The constituency comprises Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina has held discussions with World Bank Executive Director for the Africa Group I Constituency Dr Zarau Wendeline Kibwe on the sidelines of the meetings in Bangkok.
The discussions centred on Eswatini’s development priorities, financing requirements and progress in implementing development projects.
According to the Ministry of Finance’s Communications Department, Gina emphasized the importance of the World Bank’s support in advancing the country’s development agenda.
He said Eswatini valued the institution not only as a source of funding but also for the technical expertise, policy guidance and institutional support it could provide.
Gina also acknowledged Kibwe’s visit to Eswatini in May 2025, saying it had offered valuable insight into the country’s priorities and development challenges.
Rijkenberg’s new role and Gina’s engagement with the World Bank leadership come as Eswatini continues to pursue international partnerships to support economic resilience, inclusive growth and sustainable development.
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