Eswatini has officially welcomed its first locally based Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) representative, marking a new phase in cooperation on food security, agriculture, and climate resilience. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu received the credentials of Rosanne Marchesich, who was appointed by FAO Director General Dr. Qu Dongyu. This development follows an agreement signed between the Government of Eswatini and the FAO to establish a permanent representation in Mbabane.
The agreement was signed on October 14, 2025, and fulfills a commitment made by His Majesty King Mswati III during his visit to Rome in 2024 to attend the World Food Forum. During the visit, the King announced Eswatini's intention to host an FAO office, citing the need for stronger cooperation to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among young people and women. This commitment was later formalized through the Host Country Agreement signed in 2025 between Eswatini and the UN agency.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini represented His Majesty the King and signed the agreement at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The signing was witnessed by Senator Shakantu, Minister of Agriculture MP Mandla Tshawuke, and other senior government officials. The establishment of the FAO office in Mbabane is expected to deepen technical cooperation between Eswatini and the FAO.
The locally based representation will allow for closer oversight of projects and improved coordination of resources for farmers. The presence of Marchesich in Eswatini will also support collaboration on climate-smart agriculture, youth agribusiness initiatives, and food security programs across the country's four regions. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Eswatini's citizens.
The FAO representative will work closely with the government and other stakeholders to address food insecurity and malnutrition in Eswatini. The country's agriculture sector is a significant contributor to its economy, and the FAO's presence is expected to help boost the sector's growth and productivity. Marchesich's appointment is a significant milestone in Eswatini's cooperation with the FAO.
Eswatini has been working to strengthen its agriculture sector and improve food security, particularly among vulnerable populations. The FAO's presence in the country is expected to support these efforts and help achieve the country's development goals. The government has expressed its commitment to working with the FAO to address the country's development challenges.
The arrival of Marchesich and the establishment of the FAO office in Mbabane mark a new chapter in Eswatini's cooperation with the UN agency. The government is expected to continue working with the FAO to implement programs and projects that will have a positive impact on the lives of Eswatini's citizens. Key initiatives will focus on climate resilience and youth agribusiness.
Key points
- The establishment of the FAO office in Mbabane will deepen technical cooperation between Eswatini and the FAO.
- The locally based representation will support collaboration on climate-smart agriculture and youth agribusiness initiatives.
- The FAO's presence in Eswatini will help address food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among young people and women.
