Africa-Press – Eswatini. In the bustling corridors of Washington DC, where the world’s economic powerhouses gather to shape the global financial landscape, Eswatini’s voice rang clear and confident. Leading the charge was Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, who positioned the Kingdom not just as a participant, but as an active influencer in international economic affairs.
Championing Africa’s Voice on the Global Stage
Rijkenberg revealed that Eswatini is actively participating in high-level constituency meetings alongside other African nations to present a united front at the IMF and World Bank. “As Africa, we stand together with a voice at the IMF and the World Bank and make certain requests,” he said, highlighting the continent’s growing influence, including securing a third African seat at the IMF board, a major milestone for collective representation.
In his capacity as the African Union’s representative at the G20 Finance Ministers’ meetings, Rijkenberg is also presenting Africa’s perspective to some of the world’s largest economies, strengthening Eswatini’s diplomatic and financial presence globally.
Healthy Financial Relationships and National Credibility
Rijkenberg emphasized Eswatini’s strong and healthy relationships with major international financial institutions. The country has fully repaid its IMF loans, placing it among a select few African nations with no outstanding debt to the Fund. “We’re one of a handful of countries on the continent that doesn’t have a loan to the IMF at the moment,” he noted. This solid financial standing positions Eswatini as a credible and responsible economic partner.
Boosting Investor Confidence Through Positive IMF Reports
The Minister highlighted improvements in Eswatini’s annual IMF Article IV reports, which assess the country’s economic performance. These reports have become increasingly positive over recent years, signaling growing confidence in Eswatini’s fiscal management. “It’s not necessarily a great read, but it’s looking a lot better over the last few years around Eswatini’s image,” Rijkenberg said. This progress is crucial for attracting new investment flows into the country.
Pushing for Economic Resilience Amid Fiscal Pressures
With a salary review and expenditure pressures expected in the coming year, the Ministry is proactively engaging development partners to ensure support. The World Bank continues to provide significant funding support, and Eswatini is leveraging these relationships to navigate upcoming fiscal challenges while sustaining growth and stability.
Eswatini’s growing role in international finance signals a confident nation that is ready to shape conversations, strengthen partnerships, and attract global investment.
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