Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has positioned the Kingdom as a committed partner in Africa’s push for sustainable ocean governance, despite being a landlinked nation.
Speaking at the Africa for the Ocean Summit co-hosted by France and Morocco, Dlamini delivered a message of unity, action, and hope, aligning Eswatini’s development blueprint with the continent’s maritime aspirations.
“Though Eswatini has no coastline, our economy, climate, and food systems are deeply connected to ocean health,” the PM emphasized, inspiring the audience with Eswatini’s proactive stance.
A Landlinked Nation with a Global Vision
Eswatini’s Programme of Action (PoA) for 2024–2029 was cited as a cornerstone in national transformation. Anchored by the “Nkwe Mandate” from His Majesty King Mswati III, the programme targets 12% GDP growth by 2029 through sustainable development and regional integration.
The Premier acknowledged the importance of global trade routes and maritime corridors to connect Eswatini to international markets and praised initiatives like Morocco’s Atlantic African States Initiative for enabling equitable access for landlocked countries.
Climate Commitments and Plastic Ban Praised
Eswatini’s efforts to mitigate climate change were also spotlighted. The country has established a dedicated Climate Change Office and launched a National Climate Change Finance Strategy, ensuring adaptation to environmental shocks linked to ocean degradation.
In a powerful call to action, PM Dlamini highlighted Eswatini’s ban on single-use plastic bags as a model policy, warning that plastic waste flowing through rivers eventually pollutes the ocean.
“Development that disregards the environment is costly,” he said. “Eswatini proudly leads by example in banning single-use plastics to protect both river and ocean ecosystems.”
A Call for African Ownership
The PM concluded by urging future African-led summits to be hosted on African soil, reinforcing the continent’s leadership in shaping its destiny.
“Eswatini stands ready to contribute to healthier oceans and a sustainable planet,” he affirmed, calling for inclusive integration of landlocked countries into the blue economy.
This appearance by Dlamini reaffirms Eswatini’s standing as a principled, forward-looking voice on global environmental and developmental matters—turning distance from the sea into a strength of solidarity and stewardship.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
