Eswatini has marked a significant milestone in its drive towards long-term food security and climate resilience with the official welcome of its first resident Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative. The Minister for 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 fulfils a commitment made by His Majesty King Mswati III during his visit to Rome for the World Food Forum in 2024.
The opening of the new FAO Representation office in Mbabane is a result of an agreement signed on October 14, 2025, between the Government of Eswatini and the UN agency. The official Host Country Agreement was signed at FAO headquarters in Rome by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, acting on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III. The signing was witnessed by key Cabinet members, including Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Agriculture MP Mandla Tshawuke.
Marchesich's arrival and the opening of the physical Mbabane office mark a move towards deeper technical cooperation, localised project oversight, and faster resource mobilisation for local smallholders and commercial farming networks. The FAO and the Eswatini government plan to coordinate on climate-smart farming solutions, youth agri-business initiatives, and targeted food security programmes across all four regions of the kingdom.
The resident FAO representative will work closely with the Eswatini government to address pressing agricultural challenges, including food insecurity and malnutrition, especially among youth and women. This move is expected to enhance the country's ability to respond to agricultural challenges and improve food security.
The establishment of the FAO Representation office in Eswatini is a significant step towards achieving the country's agricultural development goals. The office will provide technical assistance, policy advice, and support to smallholder farmers and agricultural institutions.
Eswatini's partnership with the FAO is expected to have a positive impact on the country's agricultural sector, contributing to economic growth, poverty reduction, and improved food security. The FAO has a global presence, with 194 member states, and has been working with Eswatini since 1982.
The welcoming of the first resident FAO representative is a testament to Eswatini's commitment to achieving sustainable agricultural development and improving the livelihoods of its citizens. The country is expected to benefit from the FAO's expertise and resources in addressing its agricultural challenges.
Key points
- Eswatini has welcomed its first resident FAO representative, Rosanne Marchesich, to address food insecurity and climate resilience.
