EU pledges continued support for Eswatini’s development initiatives
THE European Union (EU) has once again emphasized its continued support for the country’s development endeavors. The pledge was articulated by the European Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, in a message commemorating Europe Day.
The Ambassador made the statement when marking the occasion of Europe Day. She expressed the EU’s enduring partnership with Eswatini, which spans over half a century. Over this period, the EU has emerged as a pivotal ally in advancing the nation’s development aspirations, where they channeled substantial resources towards various critical sectors.
Ambassador Choumelova also highlighted the vast nature of EU’s support to the country, which encompasses diverse areas ranging from infrastructure development to social protection and institutional capacity building. Notably, the EU has contributed billions of emalangeni towards initiatives aimed at enhancing access to essential services such as clean water, electricity, and healthcare, including access to vaccines.
Furthermore, the EU has played a pivotal role in fostering sustainable and climatesmart agriculture, aligning with global efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Through investments in infrastructure projects, such as the bridge at Siphofaneni, the EU has facilitated improved connectivity and mobility, underscoring its commitment to enhancing the nation’s infrastructure network.
A cornerstone of EU’s engagement in Eswatini has been its support for the agricultural sector, particularly smallholder farmers. The supported has seen EU promoting horticulture value chains and facilitating climate change adaptation strategies. It has also supported the resilience of Eswatini farmers, which ensured year-round water access and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Ambassador Choumelova further emphasized the EU’s role as a staunch advocate for democracy, human rights, and gender equality in Eswatini. EU has supported an inclusive and equitable society through extensive support to civil society organizations and initiatives which were for empowering marginalized groups, including women, children, and youth.
In education, the EU has asserted that they have been instrumental in promoting universal access to quality education by subsidizing free primary education since 2006. This dedication to education is further complemented by investments in infrastructure and capacity building initiatives designed at enhancing the overall quality of the education system.
Choumelova added, “We are also supporting energy transformation in Eswatini by boosting investments in the Renewable Energy sector. Our programmes, on the one hand, support the mobilisation of private investments in renewable energies and, on the other hand, provide assistance to the public sector in power sector transformation towards more green energy.”
In addition, the European Union has also contributed millions of emalangeni to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19 in Eswatini. Through the COVAX facility, the EU has also helped to bring Covid-19 vaccines to Eswatini. After this, they are also working to help bring underprivileged students and pregnant girls back to school.
“Our new MIP (Multiannual Indicative Programme) for Eswatini, which focuses on youth and skills development, aims to boost social inclusion and growth, targeting, in particular, the youth, women and vulnerable people,” said the Ambassador.