Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini calls for Eswatini’s achievement of food sovereignty, as he officially opened the 2nd National Agricultural Investment Indaba at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini on August 13 2025.
Dlamini also calls for intensified collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector to drive agricultural transformation and secure Eswatini’s food future.
Addressing a high-profile gathering of cabinet ministers, diplomats, international organizations, and business leaders, the Prime Minister outlined government’s vision to reposition agriculture as a central pillar of national development.
“Agriculture is a source of livelihood for most emaSwati,” he said, “and plays a critical role in eradicating poverty and malnutrition.”
The Prime Minister praised the Ministry of Agriculture for institutionalising the annual Indaba, which he said serves as a vital platform for evaluating progress, refining strategies, and galvanising investment.
A Conducive Climate for Investors
In a message aimed at international guests and potential investors, the Prime Minister highlighted Eswatini’s stable political environment, investor-friendly legislation, and commitment to economic transformation. He referenced the recently introduced “Residence by Investment Bill”, which offers residency to investors who meet a designated investment threshold.
“Eswatini continues to roll out the red carpet for serious investors,” he said, emphasizing the country’s predictable and secure business environment under the stewardship of His Majesty King Mswati III.
Grand Plan for National Transformation
A key highlight of the Prime Minister’s address was the introduction of a 30-year strategy dubbed the “Grand Plan for National Transformation.”
Currently under stakeholder review, the plan charts a path for economic, social, and institutional transformation, drawing on the collective vision of the nation as expressed during the Sibaya national dialogue.
“We foresee double-digit economic growth within the planning horizon,” Dlamini told delegates, calling the blueprint a launchpad for future investment opportunities.
Aligning with Continental and Global Goals
The PM reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to continental and global development frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the CAADP Kampala Declaration, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those targeting poverty and hunger eradication.
He further cited the “Nkwe” mandate, commissioned by His Majesty in 2023, which seeks to fast-track efforts to eliminate hunger and poverty in the country. The year 2025, he reminded the audience, has been declared the “Year of Transformation.”
Private Sector and Youth at the Centre
Calling for stronger Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the Prime Minister urged the private sector to identify investment opportunities across the agricultural value chain, from input supply and production to agro-processing, technology, and logistics.
He also applauded the launch of the Youth Employment Opportunities and Empowerment Project, which emerged from last year’s Indaba, as a tangible example of progress.
“The youth are the future of this country. Investing in them is securing the country for posterity.”
A Call to Action
With climate change posing a growing threat to food security, Dlamini called for urgent investment in climate-resilient agriculture and innovation. He stressed that contributions do not have to be financial alone—technical assistance and material resources are equally valuable.
He invited all stakeholders to continue engaging with the Ministry of Agriculture beyond the Indaba, emphasizing that agricultural transformation is a long-term and continuous process.
Closing with Gratitude
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its sustained support, and applauded the Ministry of Agriculture and partners for their exceptional coordination of the event.
“The outcomes of this occasion will have significant impacts on the future of agriculture and the economy of this country,” he said, before formally declaring the Investment Forum open.
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