Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has reaffirmed his confidence that the Grand Plan – a visionary 30-year strategy – will guide Eswatini towards achieving first world status.
Speaking at Pigg’s Peak Hotel on 4 August 2025 during an engagement session with Members of Parliament (MPs), the Prime Minister described the Grand Plan as a bold, transformative roadmap designed to address Eswatini’s long-standing development challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
The Grand Plan was first introduced by Dlamini during the Sibaya national dialogue in 2023, before he assumed office as Head of Government. At the time, he did not anticipate that he would be the one tasked with driving the implementation of this long-term vision. Yet, since taking office, interest in the plan has only grown, with many Emaswati eager to understand the government’s blueprint for progress.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that while Eswatini has achieved notable progress through successive national strategies – including the National Development Strategy and the National Development Plan – persistent socio-economic issues remain. These include low GDP growth, limited foreign direct investment (FDI), high youth unemployment, and fiscal constraints.
“Past plans laid the foundation for key gains in agriculture, education, and SME support,” Dlamini noted. “However, issues such as weak infrastructure, gaps in health service delivery, and underdeveloped private sector capacity still hold us back.”
He said the Grand Plan aims to build on these foundations, while introducing more ambitious, innovative, and realistic approaches. The vision is anchored on three key pillars: social transformation, economic transformation, and government transformation. These, he said, are essential to achieving broad-based, inclusive development.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Grand Plan is the product of young, talented Emaswati who undertook extensive consultations and benchmarking across Africa. While admitting the plan is not perfect, he asserted that it reflects the ambition and commitment necessary to move the country forward.
Ultimately, the goal is for Eswatini to attain high-income, first-world status within the next few decades – a vision inspired by His Majesty King Mswati III. Dlamini urged citizens and stakeholders to unite in hard work and shared purpose to make the Grand Plan a reality.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
