His Majesty King Mswati III has called for accelerated investment, regional cooperation and collective action to address Africa’s persistent water challenges, warning that water security remains central to the continent’s development and resilience.
Speaking in his Speech from the Throne, His Majesty said the country must sustain this progress until every citizen has access to clean water by 2030.
The King said Eswatini had made significant progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, with 75 per cent of the population now having access to clean water. 
“For the country to prosper, it must have a clean water supply. We are encouraged by the progress made towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the King said.
He said under SDG 6, Eswatini had ensured that 75 per cent of the population had access to clean water, urging continued collaboration with development partners to reach universal access.
“Working with our development partners, we must continue to maintain this good record until we have clean water for all by 2030,” His Majesty said.
The King’s call comes as Eswatini continues to pursue major investments in water infrastructure, including dams, irrigation schemes and potable water projects, amid growing demand and climate-related pressures.
Addressing the African Union-Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, King Mswati said water was fundamental to Eswatini’s national development ambitions.
He noted that water supports agriculture, industrial development and public health while also strengthening the country’s ability to withstand climate-related vulnerabilities.
Agriculture alone accounts for more than 90 per cent of national water use, highlighting the importance of securing reliable water supplies for food production and economic growth.
However, the King said Eswatini, like many countries on the continent, continued to face challenges arising from ageing infrastructure, rising water demand and climate change.
He stressed that the country’s major rivers, which are shared with South Africa and Mozambique, demonstrate that water security cannot be addressed within national borders alone.
“Water security transcends borders,” His Majesty said, emphasising the need for regional cooperation, integrated planning and bold investment in sustainable infrastructure.
He said Eswatini fully supported the continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP), describing it as an important vehicle for mobilising the estimated US$30 billion required annually to close Africa’s water investment gap.
The programme, he said, aligns with Eswatini’s National Development Plan, climate adaptation priorities and commitment to SDG 6, while also supporting the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Major projects underway
King Mswati highlighted several water infrastructure projects being implemented to strengthen the country’s water security.
Among these are the Lubovane and Luphohlo dams, which support irrigation and provide clean water to communities.
The country is also engaging financial institutions towards the construction of the Mpakeni Dam, which is expected to become one of Eswatini’s largest dams and play a major role in supporting agriculture and water supply.
The King further announced that Eswatini is developing its Water Investment Programme with support from the African Union, Global Water Partnership Southern Africa and the Green Climate Fund.
The programme, which is scheduled for completion by 2035, is expected to provide a blueprint for mobilising resources and implementing high-impact water projects.
Two projects have already been identified as bankable initiatives – the Nondvo Multipurpose Dam and the raising of Hawane Dam – with an estimated combined funding requirement of about US$115 million.
“These projects will serve as a blueprint for mobilising resources and implementing high-impact water projects,” His Majesty said.
He also pointed to the country’s national potable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) Master Plan, which requires an estimated US$2 billion in investment.
The plan is aimed at expanding access to clean water, improving sanitation, strengthening climate resilience and unlocking economic opportunities across various sectors.
Cross-border cooperation
The King also placed strong emphasis on cooperation with neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique in managing shared water resources.
He cited the Maguga and Driekoppies dams, developed jointly with South Africa, as projects that have contributed significantly to agricultural development.
Eswatini is also involved in a cross-border initiative with Mozambique aimed at ensuring the equitable utilisation of the Incomati and Maputo river systems.
Through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Fund, the country has commenced the Lomahasha-Namaacha Project, which is expected to improve access to clean water for communities on both sides of the Eswatini-Mozambique border.
His Majesty said a number of other dam and water supply projects were also being developed with assistance from development partners, with some already at the bankable stage after completion of technical feasibility studies.
Appeal to investors
The King made a direct appeal to development partners, financial institutions, private investors and multilateral organisations to support Eswatini’s water security ambitions.
He said increased investment would be critical to turning planned projects into infrastructure capable of meeting the country’s growing water needs.
At the continental level, he reaffirmed Eswatini’s support for mechanisms aimed at improving accountability and monitoring of water investments.
The King pledged the country’s support for the Africa Water Investment Scorecard, saying stronger performance tracking would help ensure that investments translate into measurable outcomes.
