BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE– The Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini, Dr. Phil Mnisi, has urged stakeholders across the country to rally behind the 2026/2027 National Budget, emphasizing that collective support is essential to ensure its successful implementation and deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of Emaswati.
Dr. Mnisi made the call during the 2026 Post-Budget Seminar hosted by the Central Bank of Eswatini on 6 March 2026, where policymakers, industry leaders and professionals from both the public and private sectors gathered to reflect on the national budget and share insights on its implementation.
Dr. Mnisi described the gathering as an important platform for dialogue, reflection and forward-looking strategies aimed at strengthening Eswatini’s economic prospects. “The purpose of this seminar is to bring together stakeholders from all sectors of society to deliberate and exchange ideas regarding the 2026/2027 national budget and support government in ensuring that it leads to real improvements and better services for the people of Eswatini,” he said.
The Governor commended the Minister of Finance, Honourable Neal Rijkenberg, for presenting a pro-growth budget that balances fiscal discipline with strategic investments aimed at accelerating economic transformation.
Delivered in Parliament on January 27, 2026, under the theme “Agape Love: Love in Action for Economic Transformation,” the budget focuses on increased capital expenditure to unlock long-term growth. Key priorities include infrastructure development, energy and water security, digitalisation, and strengthening industrial capacity.
Dr. Mnisi said the budget aligns with the national priorities outlined by His Majesty King Mswati III during the opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament, where 2026 was declared the Year of Agape Love. In his address, the King urged government to improve service delivery, uproot corruption, ensure the availability of medicines in hospitals and prioritize the youth.
However, Dr. Mnisi cautioned that the budget is being implemented amid a highly uncertain global economic environment marked by geopolitical tensions and growing trade fragmentation, which could affect supply chains and fuel prices.
“These global developments are not distant events; they directly affect the lives of Emaswati,” he said, stressing the need for the country to strengthen resilience and deepen regional integration through platforms such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He also welcomed the rollout of the Integrated Financial Management and Information System (UMSEBE IFMIS), describing it as a transformative reform that will enhance fiscal discipline, strengthen accountability and enable real-time monitoring of government expenditure.
The seminar also featured a panel discussion where industry leaders emphasized the need for swift project implementation, stronger procurement systems and policies that ensure no liSwati goes to bed hungry.
Dr. Mnisi encouraged constructive critique from stakeholders, assuring them that the Ministry of Finance would consider the insights shared to support effective implementation of the national budget
(Courtesy Pic)
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