UNCT Retreat 2024: Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals in Eswatini

The UN Country Team (UNCT) Retreat 2024, held at the UN House in Mbabane, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, international development partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and UN officials, to discuss strategies for accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Eswatini. The high-level dialogue focused on the theme, "Nkwe and SDG Acceleration – Assessing Progress, Addressing Challenges, and Identifying Opportunities."

This marked the high-level segment of a three-day UNCT Retreat that will continue at the Piggs Peak Hotel on 29-30 August 2024.

Opening Session Highlights: Setting the Tone for Transformative Action

The retreat was opened by Mr. George Wachira, UN Resident Coordinator, who highlighted the importance of the event as a platform for critical reflection and dialogue on both global and national trends impacting sustainable development. He emphasized the urgency of innovative approaches to accelerate SDG progress, given that only 17% of SDG targets are on track globally. Mr. Wachira called for renewed commitment and strategic partnerships to address Eswatini's development challenges and opportunities in the final five years leading to 2030. "Our task is to collectively locate the opportunities we have and seize them. The complex nature of the crises we face makes the holistic framework provided by the SDGs even more essential for our world today," he said.

Mr. Yacoub El Hillo, Africa Director of the UN Development Coordination Office, underscored the importance of "business unusual" in a time of global polycrisis. He emphasized the need for a coordinated effort by the UN Development System to support SDG acceleration in Eswatini, particularly through innovative financing and leveraging the UN's global presence and expertise.“We must adapt to today's global challenges with innovation and unity. This retreat is an excellent moment for reflection, testing assumptions, and planning our path forward together," he said.

Ms. Cristina Duarte, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser for Africa, delivered a compelling keynote on "Solving Paradoxes of Africa’s Development." She stressed the importance of leveraging Africa's unique opportunities to transform economies and build shared prosperity through inclusive policies and strategic partnerships. "Leveraging opportunities to transform economies and build shared prosperity is key. We must focus on policies that are innovative and inclusive to achieve sustainable growth," she stated. 

Mr. Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini, reaffirmed the government's commitment to the SDGs, emphasizing a transformational approach to development. He outlined the "Nkwe" Programme of Action, targeting an annual GDP growth of 12% by 2028, and called for strong partnerships with development stakeholders to achieve economic growth, inclusivity, and sustainability. "Our ambition is to grow the economy exponentially... The 'Nkwe' Programme of Action seeks to attain an annual GDP growth of 12% by the year 2028, ensuring that no one is left behind," he stated.

Panel Discussion 1: Eswatini as a Middle-Income Country - Bright Spots, Blind Spots, and Pathways to the Future

The first panel discussion explored Eswatini's Middle-Income Country (MIC) status, identifying both opportunities and challenges on the path to becoming a high-income economy.

Senator Savanna Maziya, Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, highlighted the transformative potential of the ICT sector in driving economic growth and fostering innovation. She called for robust digital infrastructure, expanded broadband access, and digital literacy programs to create a competitive digital economy in Eswatini. Senator Maziya also emphasized the need for public-private partnerships and regulatory reforms to attract investment in ICT.

Senator Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, focused on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to expand Eswatini's trade opportunities. He underscored the importance of developing value chains in key sectors, enhancing trade facilitation measures, and building local capacity to meet international standards and attract foreign investment.

Mr. Howard Mbuyisa, Director of the Eswatini Agriculture Development Fund, provided insights into the agricultural sector's critical role in achieving food security and economic diversification. He advocated for public-private partnerships, modernization of agricultural practices, and the establishment of industry associations to enhance self-sufficiency and boost export-oriented production.

Ms. Eva Maria Engdahl, Head of Cooperation, European Union (EU), shared the EU's commitment to supporting Eswatini in governance, human rights, and economic development. She emphasized the need for strong institutional frameworks and continuous dialogue between development partners to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Discussions from the Floor:
Participants engaged in a lively discussion, emphasizing the importance of inclusive digital infrastructure, regional trade integration, sustainable agriculture, and accountable governance. Key points raised included:
- The need for bridging the digital divide through targeted digital literacy programmes and local content development.
- Investments in infrastructure and harmonizing trade regulations to maximize benefits from the AfCFTA.
- Supporting smallholder farmers through access to credit, climate-smart technologies, and market information systems.
- Strengthening anti-corruption measures and enhancing civil society's role in promoting transparency and accountability.

Panel Discussion 2: Enhancing Inclusion, Leaving No One Behind

The second panel discussion focused on building a more inclusive and resilient society in Eswatini, addressing key challenges such as unemployment, inequalities, gender-based violence, poverty, and vulnerability among children and the elderly.

Ms. Lomcebo Dlamini, Technical Lead at the African Women's Development Fund (AWDF), called for gender-responsive policies that prioritize women and girls in the national development agenda. She emphasized the need for substantial investment in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment opportunities for women.

Mr. Bongani Makama, President of the Federation of the Disabled in Swaziland (FODSWA), stressed the importance of integrating disability considerations into all aspects of policy-making. He advocated for accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Ms. Thulisile Dladla, President of the Business Federation of Eswatini (BUFE), discussed the private sector's role in fostering inclusive growth and reducing inequalities. She called for sustainable business practices and greater community engagement from businesses.

Mr. Allan-Lloyd Jr. Hamusokwe, Board Member and Head Researcher of the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries, highlighted the need for policies that support young entrepreneurs and foster innovation. He advocated for more streamlined processes to access government support and partnerships with the private sector to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Discussions from the Floor
Participants underscored the importance of multi-sectoral strategies to promote social justice, economic empowerment, and equal access to opportunities. Key suggestions included:
- Expanding social protection measures for vulnerable groups.
- Encouraging youth participation in economic activities through mentorship and funding opportunities.
- Enhancing coordination among government, private sector, civil society, and development partners to achieve inclusive development.