Mbabane – The Government of Eswatini on Thursday has committed to implement a joint four-year programme of action which aims to address poverty, youth unemployment, health outcomes and inclusive growth.
Launched on Thursday at the UN House in Mbabane, the Joint Country Programme Documents (CPDs) for the 2026–2030 was developed in a coordinated approach by the government, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) which will take the centre lead in the CPDs’ implementation said that the focus is on people-centred programming as well as a coordinated delivery across government and development partners.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr Tambo Gina, Principal Secretary (PS) Thabsile Mlangeni said the programmes are aligned with the National Development Plan and the country’s long-term transformation agenda. She said the cooperation framework sets out integrated interventions designed to respond to persistent social and economic challenges.
Mlangeni said the programmes are intended to support improved livelihoods, expanded opportunities for young people and better access to essential services.
On the other hand, the UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin said the organisation’s work in Eswatini continues to focus on areas such as youth development and climate-smart agriculture. He noted that UNDP and UNFPA have previously worked together on initiatives including Youth Connect, adding that future cooperation will support the country’s efforts to advance its development status.
UNFPA Head of Office Margaret Thwala said the new programme cycle will prioritise areas with high maternal mortality and unmet reproductive health needs. She explained that hotspot analysis and georeferenced data will be used to address overlapping factors contributing to preventable maternal deaths, gender-based violence and harmful practices. Thwala added that the approach places emphasis on integrated health services and service quality to improve outcomes.
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