Lobamba – The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee to present its 2025/26 Annual Performance Report, outlining economic growth, major infrastructure developments and international support secured by the country.
The meeting was chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Lindani and took place in Parliament as part of the committee’s oversight of government ministries.
Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr E. T Gina told the committee that the country’s economy continued to perform strongly despite uncertainty in the global economy. He said Eswatini recorded gross domestic product growth of 7.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2025.
According to the minister, the growth was driven by sectors such as mining, manufacturing, information and communications technology and construction. Economic expansion is projected to reach 5.2 per cent in 2026 if current trends continue.
Dr Gina also reported that inflation declined to 3.1 per cent in 2025. He said the drop was largely linked to lower food prices, which have eased pressure on household spending and contributed to a stable economic outlook.
The ministry also outlined support secured from development partners. The country signed a US$205 million agreement with the United States government to support health cooperation between 2026 and 2030. Additional funding of E8 million was received from the European Union, while the government of Japan contributed JPY200 million to strengthen the Homegrown School Feeding Programme.
Another financing arrangement was secured through a US$82 million concessional loan from the World Bank. The funds are earmarked for projects in water supply, health services, education and digital development.
Dr Gina told the committee that several infrastructure projects are nearing completion. The International Convention Centre is expected to be completed by April 2026, while construction of the five star hotel at the Ezulwini area is also close to completion.
He said the Microprojects Unit implemented 43 community projects across the country, with more than 344000 people benefiting from these developments.
On the ministry’s financial performance, the minister reported that the recurrent budget for the financial year stands at E293 million, of which E235 million has already been used. The capital budget totals E7.19 billion and government has disbursed E4.38 billion so far.
Dr Gina thanked members of the committee for their support as the ministry continues implementing programmes aimed at strengthening the country’s economic growth and development.
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