The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Eswatini, George Wachira, has highlighted the concentration of economic activity in the country, stating that 90% of Eswatini's economy is accounted for by the Matsapha–Mbabane–Manzini corridor. This significant concentration of economic growth has implications for the country's urban development and planning needs. Wachira made these remarks during the second edition of the Eswatini Urban Forum held at Ezulwini Palazzo.
Eswatini is urbanising at an annual rate of 2.7%, with projections indicating that the country will reach 35% urbanisation by 2050. This growth presents an opportunity for the country to plan ahead for future expansion and address challenges linked to the expansion of settlements. The UN resident coordinator emphasised that urbanisation is increasing across Africa, with the continent's urban population expected to grow from 700 million to 1.4 billion by 2050.
The country's current pace of urbanisation requires attention to address the increasing demand for housing, infrastructure, and services, including water, sanitation, roads, and safe public spaces. Wachira identified land governance, urban planning, and municipal financing as key areas that require attention in Eswatini. He noted that the country is still working with the Town Planning Act of 1961 and needs to assess its planning requirements in response to changing urban development patterns.
Wachira stressed the need for a comprehensive system that links planning processes to land governance, while local authorities require sufficient revenue to support planning and improve the quality of life in their communities. He called for the use of ongoing land policy revisions to guide development in peri-urban areas, the completion of a planning framework, stronger municipal finances, and the upgrading of existing settlements to prevent the growth of informal settlements.
The ministry of housing and urban development's 2025–2030 strategic plan aims to expand affordable housing, upgrade informal settlements, and digitise land records. Wachira highlighted that settlements in Mbabane and Manzini have been upgraded to 99-year leases under the Urban Development Project. The United Nations is supporting Eswatini through policy advice, data systems, and international experience to help guide urban development.
The UN-Habitat has become one of the 21 signatories to the UN Sustainable Cooperation Development Framework for Eswatini for 2026–2030. Wachira noted that the country has an opportunity to plan for future urban growth by strengthening its planning systems and preparing for the demand for housing, services, and economic opportunities. He emphasised that more than half of Southern Africa's population already lives in urban areas, with the proportion projected to reach about 75% by the middle of the century.
The UN resident coordinator's remarks underscore the need for Eswatini to modernise its planning laws and land reforms to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation. The country's growth and development require a coordinated approach to ensure that the needs of its growing urban population are met. Key initiatives, such as the Urban Development Project and the ministry's strategic plan, aim to address these challenges and guide the country's urban development.
Key points
- 90% of Eswatini's economy is concentrated in the Matsapha–Mbabane–Manzini corridor.
- Eswatini is urbanising at an annual rate of 2.7%, with projections indicating 35% urbanisation by 2050.
- The country needs to modernise its planning laws and land reforms to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation.
