By Ncaba Ntshakala
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, has recently hosted a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Andreas Peschke, in Mbabane.
Their discussions emphasized the commitment to strengthening the longstanding cooperation between Eswatini and Germany, reflecting on key areas of collaboration and future engagements.
Eswatini and Germany share a long-standing relationship rooted in economic cooperation, trade, and development partnerships.
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Over the years, Germany has played a crucial role in supporting Eswatini’s economic growth through various initiatives, particularly in the cooperative sector.
In 2024, the Deutsche Genossenschafts- und Raiffeisenverband (DGRV) of Germany committed to injecting E30 million into Eswatini’s cooperative programs between 2025 and 2027, further strengthening this collaboration.
This investment, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is set to enhance financial sustainability and digital transformation within Eswatini’s cooperative movement, benefiting youth and women in particular.
The partnership between Eswatini and Germany extends beyond economic initiatives, encompassing diplomatic and educational engagements.
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High-level visits and discussions have taken place between the two countries. These discussions have been hailed as they reaffirm the mutual commitment to deepening relations.
Such engagements emphasize shared priorities, including sustainable development, education, and governance.
Germany’s role in funding technical assistance and institutional support in Eswatini has been instrumental in strengthening knowledge exchange and capacity-building programs that empower local communities.
