{"id":85514,"date":"2026-02-22T06:45:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T06:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/eswatini\/all-news\/king-issues-35-bold-directives-for-2026-transformation"},"modified":"2026-02-22T07:25:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T07:25:18","slug":"king-issues-35-bold-directives-for-2026-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/eswatini\/all-news\/king-issues-35-bold-directives-for-2026-transformation","title":{"rendered":"KING ISSUES 35 BOLD DIRECTIVES FOR 2026 TRANSFORMATION"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Eswatini. <\/strong> <\/span>His Majesty King Mswati III officially opened the Third Session of the 12th Parliament with a wide-ranging Speech from the Throne, outlining 35 bold directives designed to accelerate Eswatini\u2019s economic transformation, strengthen social services, deepen national unity and position the Kingdom for long-term prosperity.<\/b><\/p>\n

The address, delivered as the nation marks 40 years of His Majesty\u2019s reign, set a clear roadmap for 2026 and beyond, anchored on economic diversification, infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, youth empowerment, social protection and regional leadership.<\/p>\n

Economic Transformation and Revenue Diversification<\/b><\/p>\n

Government must reconfigure the country\u2019s financial structure to reduce reliance on SACU receipts and taxes, broadening revenue streams.<\/p>\n

Establish at least 10 companies with a minimum annual turnover of E10 billion across different sectors.<\/p>\n

Encourage strategic local investment of at least E8 billion into viable industries capable of tripling returns and creating employment.<\/p>\n

Aspire to eliminate unemployment over the next 40 years.<\/p>\n

Intensify marketing of Eswatini as a preferred investment destination following its strong business readiness ranking.<\/p>\n

Infrastructure Development<\/b><\/p>\n

Achieve the target of paving 500km of roads by 2028, including major upgrades and restoration of rain-damaged infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Return to the drawing board to finalise plans for the new Parliament building and campus.<\/p>\n

Structure capital projects to incentivise private sector participation.<\/p>\n

Complete construction of the Strategic Oil Reserve by 2028 to ensure fuel security.<\/p>\n

Expand the nationwide factory shells construction programme to attract FDI and create youth jobs.<\/p>\n

Energy and Mining<\/b><\/p>\n

Generate at least 50% of electricity locally through solar, biomass and renewable energy by 2030.<\/p>\n

Work with Eswatini Electricity Company to resolve financial challenges and rising import costs.<\/p>\n

Review and strengthen the mining sector to unlock its full potential.<\/p>\n

Promote mineral value addition and beneficiation through processing zones.<\/p>\n

Tourism and Agriculture<\/b><\/p>\n

Commission the International Convention Centre and use generated revenue to complete the adjacent hotel.<\/p>\n

Expand climate resilience and preparedness programmes for vulnerable communities.<\/p>\n

Continue subsidising subsistence farmers to enhance food security.<\/p>\n

Intensify efforts to eliminate Foot and Mouth Disease, strengthen awareness campaigns and secure vaccines.<\/p>\n

Water and Digital Transformation<\/b><\/p>\n

Achieve universal access to clean water by 2030.<\/p>\n

Transition all government systems from analogue to digital platforms.<\/p>\n

Introduce secure digital passports to enhance travel efficiency and prevent forgery.<\/p>\n

Poverty Reduction and Social Development<\/b><\/p>\n

Restructure budgeting systems to prioritise poverty elimination and economic growth.<\/p>\n

Strengthen the Regional Development Fund to stimulate grassroots businesses and curb urban migration.<\/p>\n

Enhance the National Housing Initiative so that no one is left behind.<\/p>\n

Review and strengthen the Youth Fund to ensure sustainable livelihoods.<\/p>\n

Ensure continued care and dignity for the elderly.<\/p>\n

Health and Social Protection<\/b><\/p>\n

End drug shortages in health facilities and establish sustainable long-term supply chains.<\/p>\n

Intensify efforts to eliminate HIV\/AIDS by 2030, including rollout of the Lenacapavir injection programme.<\/p>\n

Take a firm national stance against gender-based violence and encourage early reporting.<\/p>\n

Education and Youth Empowerment<\/b><\/p>\n

Integrate modern technology into the education system aligned with national development goals.<\/p>\n

Investigate causes of regional academic underperformance.<\/p>\n

Prioritise teacher training to ensure effective curriculum implementation.<\/p>\n

International Trade and Diplomacy<\/b><\/p>\n

Expand and safeguard export markets through bilateral, regional and multilateral agreements.<\/p>\n

Lead the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in promoting peace and stability.<\/p>\n

Broadcast parliamentary debates live to enhance transparency and accountability.<\/p>\n

A Vision Anchored in Unity and Transformation<\/b><\/p>\n

As the Kingdom moves into 2026, the King called upon the nation to embrace unity, patriotism and service above self-interest. The 35 directives collectively form a bold national agenda designed to secure economic resilience, social justice and inclusive growth for the next generation. The message was clear: Eswatini must rise with determination, innovation and unity to achieve its First World vision.<\/p>\n

Find more news and analyses on Eswatini<\/span> on the Africa Press<\/span> website<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III officially opened the Third Session of the 12th Parliament with a wide-ranging Speech from the Throne, outlining 35 bold directives designed to accelerate Eswatini\u2019s economic transformation, strengthen social services, deepen national unity and position the Kingdom for long-term prosperity. The address, delivered as the nation marks 40 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":85513,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,7,12],"tags":[249],"class_list":["post-85514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-head-lines","category-policy","tag-eswatini"],"yoast_head":"\nKING ISSUES 35 BOLD DIRECTIVES FOR 2026 TRANSFORMATION - Eswatini<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"-article-header-tag"> Africa-Press - Eswatini. 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