UN Eswatini 2025 Annual Results Report

This report captures the collective contribution of the UN system, working hand in hand with the Government and people of Eswatini and development partners, to accelerate progress in the sprint to 2030. 

The year 2025 unfolded in a complex, often unpredictable global and national landscape. Domestic structural economic vulnerabilities, tightening global financing conditions and the now almost predictable climate variability, continued to shape the context in which we operated. In this context, the United Nations in Eswatini focused on strengthening integrated, systems-oriented support, prioritizing interventions that both address immediate needs, while unlocking institutional and systemic bottlenecks. 

In the agri-food sector, efforts to strengthen value chains and market access improved the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while advancing climate-smart agricultural practices. Investments in health, education, and social systems contributed to improved service delivery, supported by strengthened national policies, enhanced workforce capacity, and better use of data for decision-making. Expanded social protection and nutrition programmes reached vulnerable households and children, helping to cushion the impacts of economic and climate-related shocks. At the same time, support to and advocacy for legislation, policies and follow-up on commitments ensured continued progress in governance, human rights, and climate action. 

A major investment and milestone in 2025 was the completion and launch of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030 through an iterative and a highly consultative process involving Government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and international development partners. This inclusive process helped to align synergies and commitment to drive collective action in the last five years of Agenda 2030. 

As we enter the final stretch toward 2030, the imperative is clear: to do the utmost to deliver greater impact with greater efficiency. We therefore stepped in 2026 with clarity on what we must do:  leverage collective strengths among the UN, Government, the private sector, development and civil society partners, focusing on fewer, transitional, high-impact priorities, and aligning resources to achieve them. It also calls for new approaches that ensure that every amount brought on board is an investment that must produce returns. 

The achievements in 2025 were made possible, primarily through the strong partnership with His Majesty’s Government. The United Nations in Eswatini is deeply grateful for the leadership, collaboration, and openness that underpinned our shared efforts in 2025. We particularly appreciate the personal attention of His Majesty King Mswati III in the work of the United Nations. 

We further extend our sincere appreciation to development partners, both local and international, for their unwavering support despite the pressures on resources. 

The progress reflected in this report demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, adaptability, and shared purpose. At the same time, it underscores the urgency of the task ahead.

Enjoy the read!

George Wachira, 

UN Resident Coordinator