PM challenges partners to turn policy to results for women and children

By Sinikiwe Shongwe

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has challenged government, civil society and development partners to move beyond policy formulation and focus on delivering tangible results for women and children, as World Vision Eswatini officially launched its 2026–2030 Country Strategy.

Speaking during the launch held at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, the Prime Minister stressed that development strategies should no longer remain on paper, but must be translated into practical action that improves lives across the country.

Addressing delegates under the theme, From Policy to Impact: A Joint Commitment for Government and Civil Society to Drive Inclusive and Sustainable Growth and Development that Delivers Real Impact to Women and Children, Dlamini said Eswatini could no longer afford to have well-written strategies that fail to bring meaningful change to communities.

“The era of strategies gathering dust must be left behind; the time demands practical, coordinated and impactful action,” said Dlamini.

He said the launch of World Vision Eswatini’s new strategy represented more than a ceremonial milestone, but a renewed commitment to uplifting children, empowering communities and advancing the country’s broader development aspirations.

Dlamini noted that for more than three decades, World Vision has partnered with Eswatini in serving vulnerable children and communities, commending the organisation for its continued dedication and global reach in nearly 100 countries.

He said the event’s theme strongly aligned with government’s own development agenda, particularly the outcomes of the recent Cabinet Retreat, which reaffirmed a commitment to results-driven governance.

“Drafting policies from the comfort of our offices serves little purpose unless translated into concrete improvements for women and children throughout Eswatini,” he said.

The Prime Minister further linked the strategy to the government’s Nkwe Programme of Action 2024–2029, which aims to drive inclusive growth and position the country towards an ambitious annual economic growth target of 12 per cent.

He emphasised that this national vision could not be achieved by government alone, but would require the support, alignment and collaboration of all development partners, including civil society and the private sector.

“This ambition is not the government’s alone – it requires the alignment of resources and efforts from all development partners,” he said.

Dlamini highlighted agriculture, industrialisation and information and communications technology (ICT) as key sectors with the potential to accelerate economic transformation, improve food security and create jobs.

He also pointed to youth empowerment as central to Eswatini’s development path, saying the country’s young people should not be viewed as a burden, but as its greatest economic resource.

“Our youth are not a challenge, but our greatest resource and economic driving force,” he said.

He called for stronger investment in skills development, technical and vocational education, and entrepreneurship in order to address the country’s youth unemployment rate, which he placed at 58.2 per cent.

The Prime Minister also underscored the need for inclusive programming, saying women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups must remain at the heart of all development efforts.

He warned that violence against children remained a serious concern, noting that one in three girls continue to face abuse, and welcomed World Vision’s G.U.A.R.D. framework as an important intervention in child protection.

Dlamini said gender equality, disability inclusion and social protection should not be treated as optional add-ons, but as essential pillars of sustainable development.

“As we unveil this strategy, let us embrace a renewed sense of purpose and a collective resolve to act,” he said.

He concluded by calling on government, civil society and the private sector to work in solidarity to build an Eswatini where every child thrives and no one is left behind.