MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has urged the African Development Bank (AfDB) to give qualified local businesses and young people greater access to opportunities arising from major projects in Eswatini.
Dlamini made the call on Friday when he received a delegation of Senior Advisors and Advisors from the AfDB representing 30 countries.
The delegation was in the Kingdom to assess projects supported by the development bank, including the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project Phase II (LUSIP II) and Mpakeni Dam.
The PM welcomed the delegation’s positive assessment of the projects and expressed Government’s appreciation for the AfDB’s continued partnership in supporting Eswatini’s development agenda.
Discussions also focused on opportunities to deepen cooperation on several strategic projects planned or being pursued in the Kingdom.
These include industrial parks, the Intermodal Transport and Logistics Project, the SADC University of Transformation, the National Stadium, a referral hospital, and the new Parliament building and campus.
Dlamini said development partnerships should ultimately result in tangible benefits for emaSwati.
He therefore urged the AfDB to consider procurement frameworks that would create greater opportunities for qualified local companies and young people to participate in projects implemented in Eswatini.
According to the premier, this would ensure major investments deliver benefits beyond infrastructure development by supporting local businesses, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
Dlamini reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with development institutions as Eswatini pursues its development aspirations.
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