Japan bolsters Eswatini education sector with over E100 million

By Delisa Magagula

The Minister for Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has officially launched a major education infrastructure project in Eswatini, funded through a E117,361,011.58 grant from the Government of Japan.

The programme, covering four school sites across the country, is aimed at enhancing the quality of learning facilities and providing modern educational resources to students in underserved areas.

The schools included in the initiative are Lavumisa in the Shiselweni Region, Emngwenyeni in the Manzini Region, and Maphungwane and New Thulwane in the Lubombo Region.

The largest allocation from the grant goes to New Thulwane School with E60,906,850.67, followed by Maphungwane School, which will receive E26,232,949.73. The remaining funds will support the construction of Lavumisa and Emngwenyeni schools.

The grant will provide a wide range of facilities designed to modernise learning environments and improve educational outcomes. Each school will benefit from:

Modern classrooms are designed for effective teaching
Administration blocks for school management
Kitchens to support school feeding programmes
Fully equipped laboratories for ICT, Consumer Science, and general Science
Houses for teachers to improve staff retention in rural areas
Sanitation facilities for both learners and staff Elevated water tanks for a reliable water supply
Educational furniture and equipment for classrooms and laboratories

The Ministry of Education and Training has emphasised that these facilities are not just buildings but essential resources for improving the quality of education in these regions.

Proper infrastructure, modern laboratories, and housing for teachers are expected to contribute to better student performance and teacher satisfaction.

Worth noting, the project has been awarded to a consortium of local contractors, including Du-Van Developers, Spotlite Electrical Services, J&E Construction, Mormond Electrical Contractors, Immersion Africa, and Afrotim Construction.

The contracts are scheduled for completion within an 18-month timeframe.

Minister Nxumalo urged communities surrounding the schools to support the contractors by safeguarding materials and infrastructure to ensure smooth progress.

He stressed that successful implementation would depend not only on the contractors’ work but also on community cooperation.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Nxumalo highlighted Japan’s long-standing partnership with Eswatini in the education sector.

“This is an investment in the lives of our children and the future of our nation. These facilities will transform teaching and learning for generations to come,” he said.

Community leaders at the event welcomed the investment, noting that the upgraded schools will bring dignity, safety, and better opportunities for learners in rural areas.

Several chiefs and community representatives praised the Government of Japan for its continued support and commitment to improving educational infrastructure in Eswatini.

Chief Prince Kusa of the Lubombo Region, speaking at New Thulwane, thanked the Japanese Government for prioritising rural schools.

He noted that the new facilities would significantly enhance the educational experience for students who previously had to attend schools with outdated infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Japanese-funded project is part of Eswatini’s broader strategy to expand access to quality education and align with national development plans.

According to the Ministry of Economic Planning, improving school infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas is a critical step toward achieving equitable education outcomes.

The construction of modern classrooms, laboratories, and administrative blocks is expected to provide long-term benefits by creating a conducive learning environment, attracting qualified teachers, and improving student performance.

This initiative also contributes to Eswatini’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by providing safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments.

Ensuring that all children have access to quality education infrastructure remains a top priority for the Government of Eswatini, and this grant from Japan represents one of the largest single-country investments in the education sector in recent years.

Noteworthy, Japan has been a long-term partner of Eswatini in various sectors, particularly education, health, and infrastructure.

The Japanese Government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has previously funded classroom construction, teacher training, and scholarship programmes.

The E117 million grant represents the latest phase in Japan’s ongoing support, reflecting the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.

According to JICA reports, investments in school infrastructure are intended to create not only better learning environments but also more resilient communities.

By improving access to quality education, Japan aims to contribute to the social and economic development of Eswatini, while strengthening ties between the two nations.

The four schools targeted in this project are located in areas where educational resources have historically been limited.

Lavumisa (Shiselweni Region): Previously faced challenges with overcrowded classrooms and limited laboratory facilities.

Emngwenyeni (Manzini Region): A growing community with an increasing student population and limited infrastructure.

Maphungwane and New Thulwane (Lubombo Region): Rural areas where access to modern educational facilities has been a major barrier for learners.


Therefore upgrading these schools is expected to improve student retention, reduce dropout rates, and increase opportunities for learners to pursue further education.

In addition, teacher housing facilities will encourage educators to remain in these communities, improving stability and quality of instruction.

The Ministry of Education and Training will oversee the project implementation and coordinate with JICA and local contractors to ensure adherence to timelines and quality standards.

Once completed, the schools will serve as models for modern educational facilities in rural Eswatini, setting a standard for future infrastructure projects.

The E117 million investment underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing educational challenges and highlights the commitment of both Eswatini and Japan to ensuring that children have access to high-quality learning environments.

According to the government, the launch of this project marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to strengthen education infrastructure and improve learning outcomes for thousands of students across the country.