The National Capacity Building Workshop on Localizing SDGs through Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) successfully concluded at Esibayeni Lodge, Matsapha, on October 17, 2024. This three-day event brought together representatives from all municipalities across Eswatini, including CEOs, senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, as well as participants from civil society, the Federation of Eswatini Persons with Disabilities, the Youth Chamber of Commerce, and various UN agencies, led by the Office of the Un Resident Coordinator.The workshop was spearheaded by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) with technical support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and UN Eswatini. It aimed to equip local government officials with the necessary tools to implement Voluntary Local Reviews as part of Eswatini’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Over the course of the workshop, participants engaged in dynamic sessions that covered the essential steps for conducting VLRs, stakeholder mapping, and the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement. A key focus was placed on the importance of quality data for SDG progress monitoring, with insights shared by Jürgen Gafke, Senior Programme Management Officer from UN DESA, who emphasized the role of data accessibility in effective planning.Speaking at the workshop's closing session, Ms. Nonhlanhla Shongwe, a senior economist in MEPD noted: "We are excited to see that six cities have confirmed their interest in conducting VLRs. The Ministry of Economic Planning is committed to supporting local governments throughout this process as we prepare for the submission of our third Voluntary National Review (VNR) in May 2025."Participants praised the interactive nature of the workshop, with group exercises focused on stakeholder engagement and roadmaps for implementing VLRs in Eswatini. The workshop also allowed Eswatini to learn from the experiences of neighboring countries, including South Africa, which has successfully implemented VLRs in some of its municipalities.In closing remarks, Mr. Benjamin Ofosu-Koranteng, Head of Office in the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) expressed gratitude to the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment: “We are confident that the knowledge gained, and the partnerships built here will help local governments take ownership of the SDGs and deliver impactful results.”The event highlighted the critical role of local governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the need for strong local action plans aligned with national strategies. As Eswatini accelerates its path towards the 2030 Agenda, the Ministry urged participants to remain committed to the timelines set in their work plans.The workshop concluded with a collective call to action: continue advocating for VLRs, apply the knowledge gained, and foster partnerships to ensure that the SDGs are realized at both local and national levels.For more information, please contact: Ministry of Economic Planning and Development: Melissa Mnisi - 7611 2044; sentakahle@gmail.com
Mphucuko Mamba, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office – Email: mphucuko.mamba@un.orgJurgen Gafke, Senior Programme Management Officer, UNDESA – Email: gafke@un.org  Stay tuned for further updates on Eswatini’s progress towards sustainable development.

In 2018, a group of 30 determined rural women (and a few men) from three chiefdoms under Mafutseni Inkhundla came together with a shared goal: to grow bamboo for commercial purposes. Supported by the Eswatini Environment Fund under the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) and other development partners, they secured 5 hectares of land from KaBhudla and Khamatfo Chiefdoms and fenced it. Their excitement grew as they planted 600 Bambusa balcooa seedlings—a bamboo species valued for its strength, ideal for construction, furniture making, and scaffolding.Fast forward to 2024, and the once-thriving group has dwindled to less than 10. Fatigue, frustration, and confusion have replaced the initial enthusiasm. Despite their best efforts, the bamboo is now ready for harvest, but the women are unsure how to turn this hard-won victory into financial rewards.For six years, the women toiled under challenging conditions, with no access to reliable irrigation. “If you could see our heads, you'd be shocked. We’re balding from carrying 20-liter containers of water every day,” says Dumsile Dlamini, chairperson of the Bhudla-Khamatfo Bamboo Association. “Each plant needs 20 liters of water daily, and it’s exhausting because the dam is not close.”In 2021, UNICEF installed a borehole during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it did little to ease their burden as the women still rely on buckets to water the bamboo. “Even with the borehole, we still have to carry water by hand,” Dumsile adds, frustration evident in her voice.The bamboo, now surrounded by weeds, reflects the toll the project has taken. "We didn’t realize it would take this long to harvest, and we’ve lost both interest and members," Dumsile explains. Internal conflicts have further complicated the situation. Despite visits from the World Food Programme (WFP), the Ministry of Agriculture, and local leaders, disagreements persist about how to move forward.Some members believe the next step is to establish a processing plant for bamboo products, including toothbrushes, desk pads, and calculators. However, they admit they have no knowledge of the equipment required or the associated costs. Others prioritize solving the water problem, suggesting a solar-powered borehole and drip irrigation system to ease the burden and enable intercropping with vegetables. “There’s so much potential here,” says one hopeful member, “If we had proper irrigation, this place would be buzzing with activity.”WFP and UNCT EngagementIn response to an invitation from one of the women farmers, a WFP team, accompanied by representatives from the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, visited the bamboo project. During the visit, they observed firsthand the challenges the women face, from the lack of irrigation to the unresolved conflicts within the group. While it is not yet clear how the UN will be involved, WFP is expected to present a report to the UN Country Team (UNCT) to explore potential areas of support.Bamboo’s Economic and Environmental Potential in EswatiniThe struggles of the Bhudla-Khamatfo women are a reflection of broader challenges facing bamboo farming in Eswatini. A recent report highlights bamboo’s versatility as a non-timber forest product with a wide range of uses, from construction to fuel production. Globally, bamboo has gained recognition as an eco-friendly alternative to timber, offering solutions to industries like furniture making and agroforestry. In 2019, Eswatini earned over SZL 5.2 million from bamboo exports, mostly to South Africa. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted trade, causing a significant decline in subsequent years.Bamboo also holds great environmental potential. It grows rapidly, requires fewer resources than traditional timber, and can help rehabilitate degraded lands—an essential consideration in Eswatini, where deforestation and biodiversity loss are pressing concerns. However, as seen with the Bhudla-Khamatfo project, turning bamboo’s potential into reality is not without its challenges.The Need for Infrastructure and Capacity BuildingWhile bamboo has significant economic and environmental benefits, the report emphasizes the need for more investment in processing facilities and capacity building in Eswatini. Without proper infrastructure to process raw bamboo, the value chain remains incomplete, leaving farmers like the Bhudla-Khamatfo women unsure of how to proceed.“There’s a need for more investment in local processing plants,” says Bonsile Dlamini, Communications Editor at the Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry is currently negotiating partnerships with organizations like the Correctional Services and St. Joseph’s School in Manzini, which already have some bamboo processing capabilities. “We’re working to ensure that these women don’t lose out on the opportunities bamboo farming can offer,” Bonsile adds.While the Ministry explores these partnerships, the women remain divided—some focused on solving the water issue and others dreaming of a fully-fledged processing plant. Both approaches offer promise, but unity is needed to make meaningful progress.The Road AheadThe Bhudla-Khamatfo Bamboo Association’s journey is one of resilience. Despite the physical and emotional toll, the remaining members remain committed to seeing their project succeed. Their struggles mirror the broader issues facing bamboo farming in Eswatini—a sector full of potential but hampered by a lack of infrastructure, technical expertise, and clear direction.Bamboo offers enormous economic and environmental benefits, as shown by successful projects in countries like Rwanda and South Africa. For Eswatini to capitalize on this potential, investments in local capacity, processing industries, and sustainable irrigation solutions are critical. With the right support, the Bhudla-Khamatfo women could become pioneers in a thriving bamboo industry, benefiting both their community and the nation.As they wait for developments and continued support from stakeholders, one thing is certain: their dedication remains steadfast, and their dream of transforming bamboo into a sustainable livelihood is still within reach.

On Friday, 27 September 2024, Mhubhe High School in the Manzini Region was a hub of inspiration and celebration as students, teachers, and parents gathered for the annual Speech and Prize Giving Ceremony. The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. George Wachira, was represented by Mr. Deepak Shah, the World Food Programme (WFP) Head of Office in Eswatini. Mr. Shah delivered an empowering message on behalf of the UN, reinforcing the critical role of education in shaping the future.The event, which also bid farewell to retiring teachers, was graced by the Honourable Minister of Education, Owen Nxumalo, who served as the guest of honour. In his remarks, Minister Nxumalo encouraged students to aim high and take advantage of the opportunities provided by education. "Let us aim to change our lives and our communities through education," he urged. The Minister also made a special appeal to teachers and parents, emphasizing the importance of working together to ensure that all children remain in school, despite financial challenges. "Let us not send any student home for not paying school fees. Instead, engage with their parents, and parents, I appeal to you to take your responsibility seriously and pay school fees timeously," he said. Representing the UN, Mr. Shah brought greetings from Mr. Wachira and shared his own personal journey from humble beginnings in Nepal, likening it to the challenges faced by many in Eswatini. "Education is the key that opens doors to dreams I hadn’t even dared to dream," he shared, emphasizing the power of perseverance and belief in one’s potential.Mr. Shah also touched on the recent global Summit of the Future held in New York, where world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future, a commitment to a better tomorrow with young people at the forefront of innovation and change. "You are the architects of tomorrow," he said, encouraging the students to believe in their power to shape their own destinies.The event was attended by the Chief of the area, Prince Mgebiseni, adding a traditional touch of leadership and community engagement.  Mr. Shah reminded the students that their hard work is laying the foundation for a brighter future, not only for themselves but for their communities and country.The United Nations continues to work closely with the government of Eswatini to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, and as part of this effort, the UN is developing the next Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030, with a particular focus on empowering young people and improving education. The event not only celebrated academic excellence but also reinforced the critical partnership between education, community, and global development.

The Kingdom of Eswatini and the Global Fund have launched the implementation of the seventh cycle of grants, valued at USD 46.7 million, to continue the fight against HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, and to strengthen health and community systems in the country.The event, held at the Royal Swazi Spa Convention Centre, was attended by senior government officials, representatives from the Global Fund, civil society, development partners, and other stakeholders. Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla presided over the ceremony, with the UN Resident Coordinator represented by Mr. Deepak Shah, Head of Office for the World Food Programme (WFP).In her keynote address, Acting Prime Minister Dladla commended the longstanding partnership between Eswatini and the Global Fund, which began at a critical juncture in the country’s history. “The fight against HIV, TB, and malaria has not been an easy one for our nation. However, our partnership with the Global Fund rekindled hope and resilience within our healthcare system,” she said, acknowledging the cumulative investment of over USD 388 million since the partnership began in 2002​.Mr. Deepak Shah, representing the UN Resident Coordinator, highlighted the transformative impact of the Global Fund’s support in Eswatini. “The launch of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 marks a new chapter in our collective efforts to combat these diseases. Together, we have made significant strides, and we must now align our efforts with broader global and national development priorities to achieve a healthier and more equitable future for all emaSwati,” he stated​.The Global Fund’s Head of Grant Management, Mr. Mark Edington, also expressed appreciation for the strong commitment shown by the government and people of Eswatini. He recognized the critical role of the Ministry of Health, the National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA), the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organizations (CANGO), and all in-country partners in advancing the fight against the three diseases​.The new grants will be implemented over a three-year period (2024-2027) and will focus on achieving universal access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment, reducing TB mortality rates, and enhancing malaria control through comprehensive vector management. This funding will also support the strengthening of health systems, including medical oxygen infrastructure and community engagement, to ensure a resilient healthcare system capable of responding to future health challenges​.The event featured testimonials from beneficiaries of the Global Fund’s previous support, emphasizing the life-changing impact on individuals and communities across Eswatini. The Minister of Health, Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula, noted that the support from the Global Fund has significantly improved access to essential health services and laid the groundwork for systemic improvements that will benefit generations to come​.The launch ceremony concluded with a symbolic signing of the grant agreements, underscoring the commitment of the Government of Eswatini and the Global Fund to continue working together to improve health outcomes for all emaSwati.For more information on the Global Fund and its work in Eswatini, please visit Global Fund website.