MBABANE:King Mswati addressed the United Nations(UN) Landlocked Countries Conference in Turkmenistan on Tuesday, he said “eSwatini is determined to foster economic growth and development despite geographically constrains that include high transportation costs through the sea”.
Geographical constraints are essentially the challenges and limitations arising from the specific physical characteristics of a location.
Eswatini is a landlocked country but the King said, the Kingdom’s destiny will not be defined by geography or hindered by the daily development challenges.
“For Eswatini, being landlocked is not just a geographic condition but a daily development challenge. High transport costs and vulnerability to global shocks slow our progress. Yet, these challenges inspire us to think innovatively and seize opportunities for cooperation. We are upgrading rail lines, streamlining customs procedures, and investing in digital infrastructure to connect our people, communities and markets efficiently, to mention just a few. These efforts foster regional integration and economic competitiveness. This strategy broadens our economic base, creates jobs and supports inclusive development, aligning with our national priorities and Agenda 2030 and 2063,” he said.
On another note, the King said, in 2024/2025, eSwatini’s economy grew by eight per-cent(8%), with the momentum continuing into 2025/2026.
“Sectors like mining and construction are achieving double-digit growth, driving diversification and job creation, for all emaSwati.Through our local revenue collections, stronger SACU receipts, as well as multilateral organisations’ programs our fiscal deficit is narrowing, and public debt is declining. Partnerships are central to Eswatini’s strategy. Through active participation in regional and international markets we advance connectivity and trade. Eswatini has ratified the WTO trade facilitation agreement and, with the World Bank, launched a national trade information portal to simplify trade procedures and boost private sector engagement in global markets,” he said.
King Mswati addresses United Nations(UN) Conference for Landlocked Countries, says eSwatini determined to foster economic growth and development despite geographical constraints(pic:Gov).