By Lwazi Dlamini
The Kingdom of Eswatini intends to pursue the principles of broad-based sustainable development to become a green economy.
The private sector will be one of the sectors that will be used by the Government to sustain the economy in Eswatini.
This is contained in the ‘Sustainability’ sub-topic of the National Policy Statement for the 12th Government (2024 to 2028).
RELATED: Green Indaba Wraps Up with Focus on Practical Solutions
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, unpacking the Policy Statement on Thursday, said the Government is looking at the private sector as one of the sectors that it wants to use to sustain the economy.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini shall pursue the principles of broad-based sustainable development to become a green economy.
The much-needed development shall be derived without destroying the capacity of the environment to support future generations.
This green policy shall be reflected in the country’s pursuit for energy self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture including non-genetically Modified Organism (GMO) and chemical free Agriculture,” the Premier said.
The Premier said economic, social and environmental sustainability will be embedded in Government policy programmes and practice by ensuring that sustainability is a prerequisite for new projects and expansion programmes.
“Financially sustainability shall be implemented through appropriate financing models and active participation of the private sector.
Government shall strengthen and enforce Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability reporting frameworks in line with existing legislation,” he added.
RELATED: South Africa battles to fund vital grid upgrade for green energy
The Prime Minister set the tone for the government’s commitment through his statement delivered during the COP 28 Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30, 2023, to December 13,
2023, when the Premier said: “No one should be left behind in ensuring that all green initiatives are sustainable and are linked to the key pillars for economic development,”
The Prime Minister, currently in Rwanda representing His Majesty King Mswati III and the Nation, at the three-day 2nd AfCFTA Business Forum held under the theme “Dare to Invent the Future of the AfCFTA”, has been unpacking the “Nkwe’ policy statement this week.
