By African Union Eswatini Correspondent.

ADDIS ABABA: At a high-level Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Forum convened on the margins of the African Union (AU) Summit here in Ethiopia-Addis Ababa, the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela set out an ambitious vision for strengthening water security and accelerating sanitation delivery in the country.

Addressing delegates from across the continent, development partners and representatives of international financial institutions, the Natural Resources and Energy Minister framed Eswatini’s progress and challenges within the broader African drive to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Prince Lonkhokhela expressed appreciation to the organisers for convening a platform that, in his words, would “go a long way in the African continent’s determination to reach her WASH goals”. He underscored the importance of peer learning, noting that the forum offered countries an opportunity to share both their challenges and their successes in expanding access to safe water and sanitation.

The Minister painted a candid picture of Eswatini’s operating environment, he said the country’s water and sanitation sectors are contending with increasing water scarcity, growing climate variability, ageing infrastructure and rising demand for services driven by urbanisation and economic growth. 

These pressures are compounded by constrained public financing and escalating operating costs, creating a complex landscape for policy makers and service providers alike. But despite these headwinds, Eswatini has made significant strides in extending access to potable water.

National coverage now stands at above 75 per cent, while sanitation provision has reached just under 50 per cent. While acknowledging that much remains to be done—particularly in sanitation—the Minister emphasised that these gains demonstrate both political commitment and institutional resolve.

The Prince linked the forum’s theme directly to Eswatini’s national development priorities and to Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation. 

Minister Prince Lonkhokhela further noted the convergence between the country’s strategy and the World Bank Group’s Water Strategy Implementation Plan, particularly its emphasis on urban water service optimisation, bankable investments and climate-resilient water security.

Eswatini’s long-standing partnership with the World Bank Group has, in recent years, sharpened its focus on WASH outcomes.

The Natural Resources Minister highlighted a flagship project valued at close to E1billion that is now nearing completion. 

The programme spans the breadth of the WASH agenda, encompassing potable water provision, sanitation services, drought mitigation, institutional reform and capacity-building initiatives.

It is expected to benefit nearly 40 000 emaSwati and has already generated approximately 1 000 employment opportunities.