Eswatini's Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has urged the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide more opportunities for local businesses and young people to participate in major projects in the country. He made the call when he received a delegation of Senior Advisors and Advisors from the AfDB representing 30 countries. The delegation was in Eswatini to assess projects supported by the development bank.
The AfDB delegation assessed several projects, including the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project Phase II (LUSIP II) and Mpakeni Dam. Prime Minister Dlamini welcomed the delegation's positive assessment of the projects and expressed the government's appreciation for the AfDB's continued partnership in supporting Eswatini's development agenda. The two parties also discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation on several strategic projects planned or being pursued in the Kingdom.
The strategic projects discussed include industrial parks, the Intermodal Transport and Logistics Project, the SADC University of Transformation, the National Stadium, a referral hospital, and the new Parliament building and campus. Prime Minister Dlamini emphasized that development partnerships should ultimately result in tangible benefits for the people of Eswatini. He therefore urged the AfDB to consider procurement frameworks that would create greater opportunities for qualified local companies and young people.
According to Prime Minister Dlamini, this would ensure that major investments deliver benefits beyond infrastructure development by supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods. The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening partnerships with development institutions as Eswatini pursues its development aspirations. This commitment is in line with the government's efforts to promote economic growth and development in the country.
The African Development Bank has been a key partner in supporting Eswatini's development agenda. The bank has provided funding for several projects in the country, including the LUSIP II and Mpakeni Dam. These projects have had a positive impact on the lives of the people of Eswatini, and the government is keen to deepen its partnership with the AfDB.
Prime Minister Dlamini's call for greater access to opportunities for local businesses and young people is part of the government's efforts to promote economic growth and development in the country. The government is keen to create a more enabling environment for local businesses to thrive and to provide opportunities for young people to participate in the economy.
The meeting between Prime Minister Dlamini and the AfDB delegation is a significant step towards deepening the partnership between the government and the development bank. The two parties are committed to working together to promote economic growth and development in Eswatini.
Key points
- Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has urged the African Development Bank to provide more opportunities for local businesses and young people to participate in major projects in Eswatini.
