State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) must take centre stage in Eswatini’s economic transformation by driving investments, creating jobs, and improving service delivery.
This was the message from Prime Minister Russell Dlamini as he addressed stakeholders at the Colloquium with State-Owned Enterprises, where he outlined the government’s ambitious economic growth strategy.
“Our economic policy is data-driven and people-centered, setting an ambitious but achievable target of 12% economic growth within the next five years,” Dlamini said.
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He stressed that SOEs have a responsibility to contribute significantly to this goal by ensuring that their operations align with national priorities.
The Prime Minister detailed the key industries where SOEs must play a crucial role, including infrastructure development, agriculture, manufacturing, and the services sector.
He explained that expanding roads, railways, and energy supply networks would facilitate trade and investment, while modernizing agriculture would enhance food security and create employment opportunities.
Manufacturing was also highlighted as a key driver of economic growth, with the Premier calling for SOEs to invest in value addition and local production.
He emphasized that boosting the services sector, including tourism and financial services, would help Eswatini diversify its economy and reduce reliance on a few industries.
“Our public enterprises cannot afford to be passive players. They must be active participants in reshaping Eswatini’s economy and making it more competitive regionally and globally,” he said.
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To achieve these goals, the Prime Minister insisted on improved financial sustainability within SOEs. He urged them to adopt innovative revenue models, reduce reliance on government funding, and form strategic partnerships with the private sector.
He also called for increased transparency and accountability in SOE governance to ensure they serve the interests of the people effectively.
