Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s voice rang strong and confident on the global economic stage this past week, as Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg wrapped up a successful participation at the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington D.C.
Representing both the Kingdom and the African Union (AU), Rijkenberg showcased Eswatini’s growing reputation as a serious and forward-thinking economic player.
During the high-profile meetings, global finance ministers, central bank governors, and development partners convened to chart strategies for sustainable growth, debt management, and inclusive prosperity. Minister Rijkenberg revealed that Eswatini had fully repaid its IMF loans, a major milestone that demonstrates fiscal discipline and credibility in global finance circles. This achievement, he noted, has strengthened the nation’s financial standing and improved investor confidence.
At the same event, Eswatini played a pivotal role in AU-led sessions at the G20 forum, now featuring the AU as a permanent participant. Rijkenberg represented Africa’s collective economic interests, contributing to discussions on reforming global financial architecture to give developing nations a fairer voice.
“It was inspiring to see Africa asserting itself with confidence,” he said, emphasizing the importance of equitable partnerships that empower African economies to thrive.
The Minister also secured promising engagements with major international financiers, including the OPEC Fund and Saudi Fund. These discussions focused on financing Phase 2B of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma project, a transformative agricultural and hydroelectric development that will irrigate 30 000 hectares of fertile land in Lavumisa and uplift thousands from poverty.
In addition, Eswatini received continued support from Moody’s Rating Agency, which reaffirmed the country’s improved credit rating from B3 to B2, a reflection of stable governance and prudent fiscal management.
Rijkenberg concluded that the meetings marked “a week of progress, purpose, and partnership,” adding that Eswatini’s ultimate goal remains driving growth that creates jobs and reduces poverty.
With Eswatini’s growing influence in continental and global finance, the Washington engagements not only cemented the nation’s credibility but also positioned it as a model for responsible economic transformation across Africa.
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