UNDP Eswatini

UNDP Eswatini 🤝🤝🤝Transforming lives #onewomanatatime #cleanenergy #businessefficiency Ezrah Mkhabela Sebenzile Dlamini Henrik Franklin Zanele Felicia Thabede-Vilakati Nessie Golakai Temndeni Khumalo Mantoe Phakathi

Privileged to have Njeri Kamau and David Maker from UNDP’s Regional Service Centre in Africa joining the UNDP Eswatini team this week for a productive and highly participatory internal workshop to elaborate the draft theory of change for the next UNDP Eswatini Country Program Document (CPD) 2026-2030. We were also blessed to have Chishimba Kaluba connecting virtually from UNDP Africa headquarters in New York. Vibrant discussions on topics related to poverty eradication, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, climate change resilience and effective governance. In the coming weeks we will be engaging closely with the Government and other stakeholders to finalize the draft CPD, which will be fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDCF) 2026-30 currently under design.

As the UNDP's five-year programme in Eswatini concludes this year, UNDP is conducting a week-long analysis of the country's development challenges and proposed interventions. This follows extensive consultations with partners and stakeholders as part of preparations for developing the new Country Programme Document (2026-2030). Experts from UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa are currently supporting UNDP Eswatini to consider key national priorities and strategies in developing the new Country Programme Document, ensuring alignment with the National Development Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

The Effective and Participatory Governance Board, consisting of representatives from both government and civil society organizations, has approved the annual work plan for 2025. The UNDP Effective and Participatory Governance Portfolio plays a key role in supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen governance and build resilient public institutions, thereby contributing to the achievement of the SDG targets. #SDGs #EffectiveGovernance

Delighted to meet with Jabulile Mashwama, Managing Director of Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), and her team. Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all is key for the sustainable development (SDG6). Water is a scarce resource under stress from climate change. UNDP Eswatini, with financing from the Global Environment Facility, is strengthening transboundary water resources management, and through the India-Brazil-South Africa Trust Fund (IBSA) rural communities have been provided with potable water solutions using solar-powered bore-holes. We discussed opportunities, among others, to further strengthen water management by building resilience to climate change, promoting environmental sustainability and nature-based solutions, harnessing digital solutions to ensure efficiency and transparency, and promoting employment opportunities in the sector, especially for the youth. Mangaliso Mohammed

Following Eswatini's participation in the 2024 Youth Connekt Africa (YCA) Summit, held in Kigali, Rwanda, delegates from youth and government sectors today shared their key takeaways with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, development partners and UN agencies. In addition, they presented a roadmap to launch a local chapter of the YCA platform, which is already operating in 37 African countries. Youth Connekt Africa, a Pan-African platform established in 2012 by the Government of Rwanda in partnership with UNDP, is dedicated to empowering young people to drive socio-economic transformation across the continent. YCA fosters leadership and growth opportunities for Africa's youth by enhancing skills and knowledge, and supporting innovation. Key goals of YCA include: ✅ Creating 10 million jobs in sustainable industries by 2025 ✅ Providing 25 million training and workplace enrollment opportunities ✅ Identifying and nurturing 1 million young leaders ✅ Reducing gender inequality in education through sustainable policies ✅ Empowering 5,000 digital ambassadors per country to digitally connect and empower 100 million Africans Eswatini is enthusiastic about joining this transformative initiative and contributing to the vision outlined in the African Youth Charter and UN SDGs. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Africa's youth! #YouthConnekt #Eswatini #YouthEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopment #Leadership #Innovation #Africa #SDGs #YouthInclusion

🎇 "We wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season of peace, happiness, and good health. May the coming year bring new opportunities, prosperity, and fulfilment. Thank you for being a part of our community." 🌲

By the end of January 2025, Eswatini will officially stop using single-use plastic shopping bags following a government ban to address growing waste management challenges. This ban presents a major step toward cleaner waste management and aligns with global efforts to reduce plastic pollution, contributing to the Draft Plastic Treaty and UNDP's environmental goals. It also creates significant opportunities for rural women and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Many women have been producing sustainable carrier bags from grass, and the upcoming demand for eco-friendly alternatives will provide stable income and economic empowerment. Read our blog here: https://bit.ly/3BHPlpv  

Eswatini is entering an exciting phase of digital transformation, with the Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA), conducted by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (MICT) in partnership with UNDP, offering crucial insights into the country's readiness to embrace digital technology for social and economic development. Key findings of the assessment include: 🌍 Government & Leadership: Strong national digital strategy, but a need for improved coordination and political commitment. 🌍 Digital Infrastructure: Foundations are in place, but growth is needed in areas such as digital IDs, data exchange, and payment systems. 🌍 Connectivity & Access: Investment in scalable data centres and expanded network infrastructure is crucial for equitable internet access. 🌍 Digital Literacy: While basic literacy is high, targeted digital literacy programs are necessary, especially for rural communities. 🌍 Innovation & Economy: Eswatini's digital economy is in its early stages, requiring more tech providers, payment systems, and financing options to thrive. As the country moves forward with the Eswatini Digitalization Strategy (2024-2028), the DRA provides strategic recommendations to build a more inclusive digital ecosystem. Stakeholders across government, the private sector, and civil society must work together to ensure no one is left behind in this transformation. 🌐 Read our blog and explore the full report here: https://bit.ly/49M8Zxv #Eswatini #DigitalTransformation #Innovation 

Engaging discussions during the UNDP Africa Cluster Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. The theme was ‘Changing Delivery for Delivering Change’. During a time of significant global disruption we focused on opportunities and innovative solutions to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals by creating value, delivering value, financing value and connecting value. Inspiring to interact with fellow UNDP leaders from across the African continent and HQ, as well as invited speakers and panellists. Thanks to Ahunna Eziakonwa for motivating us to think business unusual and to step out of our comfort zones to make a difference. Kudos to Maxwell Gomera and the wider UNDP South Africa office for stellar organization. UNDP Eswatini