By Ncaba Ntshakala
The European Union (EU) embarked on an illuminating presentation to Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.
The presentation, held on April 8, 2024, at the Private and Cabinet offices in Mbabane, was a comprehensive exposition of the EU’s committed partnership with the Kingdom, orchestrated to amplify socio-economic progress and inclusive growth.
Led by EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, and the EU Delegation team, the presentation delved into the multifaceted cooperation areas between the EU and Eswatini, with a particular focus on the current Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) and ongoing thematic initiatives.
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Central to the discourse were the pivotal strides made in education and skills development, where the EU has left an indelible mark on Eswatini’s educational landscape.
Highlighting the continuum of support, the EU highlighted its past endeavours in underpinning free primary education (FPE) in Eswatini between 2007 and 2012.
Additionally, the EU played a pivotal role in enhancing infrastructure development in schools and colleges, epitomized by the construction of classrooms and laboratories, alongside facilitating the formulation of a competence-based curriculum for schools.
The EU further articulated its current support framework spanning from 2021 to 2027, which aims at strengthening human development and social inclusion.
Emphasizing a market-driven approach, the EU accentuated its commitment to vocational education and training (TVET), alongside empowering disadvantaged youth and women ensnared in vulnerable circumstances.
The presentation also encapsulated a spectrum of partnership areas delineated by the EU. Notable among these were initiatives focused on sustainable and inclusive renewable energy, private sector development, and the enhancement of livestock value chains.
Furthermore, the EU unveiled ambitious projects aimed at supporting water security through extensive water harvesting schemes and initiatives dedicated to youth and women empowerment, including combating gender-based violence.
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The significance of the EU’s support was expressed by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, who was accompanied by the Minister of Economic Planning and Planning Dr. Tambo Gina and The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela.
Both Ministers lauded the EU’s commitment to the Kingdom of Eswatini’s development.
The EU’s contributions, spanning diverse sectors, were further hailed as transformative, making tangible differences in the lives of thousands of emaSwati and propelling the nation towards a brighter, more prosperous future.
