Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Regional Development Fund (RDF) continues to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s development agenda, having directly benefitted over 61 000 Emaswati and created more than 2 000 jobs through its ongoing projects as of June 30, 2025.
Established under Legal Notice No. 03 of 2015, the RDF was designed to alleviate and ultimately eradicate poverty across Eswatini’s four regions by supporting infrastructure and income-generating initiatives. The fund targets community-driven projects through Eswatini Organised Groups (EOGs).
According to the 2025/2026 first quarterly performance report of the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, a total of 300 projects are currently ongoing, comprising 205 infrastructure and 95 income-generating projects. These projects are worth a combined E383.97 million, and are expected to create 2 077 jobs while directly impacting 61 946 citizens.
Completed Projects and Impact
During the review period, 30 projects were completed – 17 infrastructure and 13 income-generating – at a total cost of E25.08 million. These completed initiatives have directly benefitted 3 527 Emaswati and created 198 jobs.
Project Applications and Funding
In the first quarter of the 2025/26 fiscal year, RDF Technical Committees (RDFTCs) received 36 new project applications – 19 for income generation and 17 for infrastructure. The total cost of these proposals was E61.28 million.
Of the 36, 25 projects have been appraised and recommended for funding, while 11 are still undergoing assessment. The RDF Committees (RDFCs) reviewed 13 of these applications, approving 12 projects worth E20.47 million for implementation.
Capacity Building
As part of strengthening project implementation, RDF trained 94 committee members from 26 EOGs. The training focused on infrastructure stock control, materials handling, bookkeeping, and financial reporting for income-generating projects.
Additionally, 700 brochures and RDF application forms were distributed across all four regions to raise awareness and support new applications.
Financial Overview
For the period ending June 30, 2025, the RDF Administration Account reported actual commitments of E2.91 million against a total inflow of E2.73 million (including an opening balance of E519 981.10). The overall administration budget implementation rate stood at 77 percent, with cash reserves of E628 125.52.
On the projects side, the RDF began the quarter with a carry-forward balance of E68.57 million, with no additional funds received. Expenditure during the quarter amounted to E57.73 million, leaving a cash balance of E10.84 million and a disbursement rate of 84 percent.
Challenges and Recommendations
The RDF has flagged a critical challenge: the 5 percent allocation for administration is now insufficient to support the full scope of its operational needs. This shortfall has delayed key payments, including personnel, office rental, and communications.
The report recommends reviewing and increasing the administrative budget allocation to ensure smooth and effective delivery of the fund’s mandate.
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