By Thokozani Mazibuko
Harnessing the nation’s mineral wealth, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini emphasized the urgent need for Eswatini to establish its own state-owned mining company.
This declaration came on the first day of a Cabinet retreat, where Dlamini gathered with ministers and principal secretaries to strategize on leveraging the country’s natural resources.
During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of fully utilizing the mineral resources identified within the country’s borders.
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“Moving forward, the country needs to take advantage of the natural resources that we have, including the minerals that have been discovered,” he asserted, illustrating a vision for a self-sufficient and prosperous future.
Dlamini drew lessons from other nations that have successfully utilized state-owned enterprises to maximize benefits for their citizens.
“What we have learnt from other countries is that for maximum benefit to the people, Government must have a state-owned mining company,” he explained.
This sentiment aligns with a broader strategy to ensure that the wealth generated from the nation’s resources translates into tangible benefits for the populace.
The Prime Minister also commended the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy for taking the initiative to establish a national mining company and urged for the process to be expedited.
“We have partners already waiting to invest,” he stated, underscoring the high level of interest from potential investors eager to join the venture.
Dlamini’s urgency signals a clear intent to move swiftly toward establishing a framework that can facilitate investment and growth in this sector.
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In conclusion, Prime Minister Dlamini expressed gratitude to all government ministries and departments, as well as development partners and the private sector for their hard work and ongoing support.
He conveyed optimism for fruitful engagements and presentations from various stakeholders throughout the week, indicating a collaborative effort toward realizing the government’s vision for the mining sector.
It should be noted that as the nation looks ahead, establishing a state-owned mining company could mark a significant step in tapping into Swaziland’s abundant natural resources, potentially transforming the economic landscape and improving the livelihoods of all citizens