MBABANE – Eswatini’s economic future will take centre stage this week as the World Bank, in collaboration with government, launches the Eswatini Economic Update (EEU) 2025 on Thursday.
This year’s report, themed ‘harnessing the potential of digital technologies for Eswatini’s growth and job creation’, is expected to provide a comprehensive roadmap on how digital transformation can accelerate the country’s economic resilience and inclusive development.
The high-profile event will be held at the UN Building in Mbabane, bringing together government leaders, economists, policy experts and innovators to explore strategies for leveraging digitalisation to unlock sustainable growth.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by Dr Thambo Gina, Minister for Economic Planning and Development and World Bank Governor for Eswatini, Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg and Savannah Maziya, Minister for Information, Communication and Technology. Together, they are expected to outline the policy priorities and institutional reforms needed to drive the country’s digital economy agenda.
The World Bank’s team of specialists will present expert analyses on Eswatini’s current economic outlook, highlighting emerging trends, risks and opportunities. A dedicated session will unpack the digital transformation roadmap, detailing how the adoption of technology across sectors can stimulate productivity, create new industries and expand employment opportunities for the youth.
Following the presentations, a panel discussion featuring senior policymakers, academics and innovators will delve deeper into how Eswatini can adapt global best practices in digitalisation to local realities.
An interactive Q&A session will allow attendees to engage directly with the ministers and World Bank experts on strategies for building a digitally driven economy.
The 2025 update comes at a critical juncture as the country seeks to diversify its economy and create new pathways for employment, amid evolving regional and global economic dynamics.
With digital technologies increasingly recognised as catalysts for structural transformation, the report is expected to serve as a blueprint for policy formulation, investment mobilisation and private sector participation in the country’s digital economy.
The event will also provide a networking platform for stakeholders from various sectors to align on the country’s vision for sustainable growth and job creation through innovation.
It is worth noting that recently, the World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved the Eswatini youth employment opportunities project (EYEOP) aimed at increasing income earning opportunities for targeted youth in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
EYEOP is the first project in Eswatini to be financed by the International Development Association (IDA) following the current country’s transition to an IDA/IBRD blended status.
Full story in today’s paper.
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