His Majesty, King Mswati III of Eswatini, has called for an urgent need for collective action to address persistent water challenges affecting most countries on the African continent.
King Mswati made the call at the African Union - Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The King stressed that water is central to Eswatini’s national development goals, noting that it fuels the country’s agriculture sector, which accounts for more than 90% of national water use, drives industrial growth, safeguards public health, and strengthens defences against climate vulnerability.
However, like many African nations, he said Eswatini faces significant challenges from aging infrastructure, increasing water needs, and the impacts of climate change.
He said the country’s major rivers, shared with neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique, highlight that “water security transcends borders” and requires regional cooperation, integrated planning, and bold investment in sustainable infrastructure.
“This is why Eswatini wholeheartedly endorses the continental Africa water investment Programme (AIP). The AIP is not merely a framework - it is a transformation to mobilise the estimated US$30 billion needed annually to close Africa’ water investment gap.
“It aligns seamlessly with our national development plan, climate adaptation priorities, and the country’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 - 'Ensuring access to water and sanitation for all by 20230.' Moreover, it advances Agenda 2063: The Africa we want, envisioning a prosperous and united continent,” King Mswati said.
Major projects underway
The King highlighted national water projects, which are already in progress, and these include the Lubovane and Luphohlo Dams, which provide irrigation and clean water to the communities.
He said Eswatini is also engaging with financial institutions to construct the Mpakeni Dam, which is expected to be one of the largest in the country to support agriculture and water supply.
With support from the African Union, the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, and the Green Climate Fund, the King said Eswatini is currently developing the Eswatini Water Investment Programme, which is scheduled for completion by 2035.
“This programme will serve as a blueprint for mobilising resources and implementing high-impact water projects. We are pleased to highlight two bankable initiatives: the Nondvo Multipurpose Dam and the Raising of the Hawane Dam, and the estimated funding required is about US$115 million.
“Alongside our national potable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) Master Plan, and the preliminary investment required for it, is estimated to be at US$2 billion. The project is designed to enhance access to clean water, improve sanitation, strengthen climate resilience, and unlock economic opportunities across multiple sectors,” the King said.
Regional cooperation and achievements
King Mswati underscored the importance of collaboration with South Africa and Mozambique in managing shared water resources.
Joint projects include the Maguga and Driekoppies Dams with South Africa, which have significantly boosted agriculture, and a cross-border initiative with Mozambique to ensure equitable use of the Incomati and Maputo rivers.
Through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Fund, he said Eswatini has also commenced the Lomahasha–Namaacha Project, which will provide clean water to communities in both Eswatini and Mozambique.
“Eswatini has also been developing a number of dam water supply projects with the assistance of our development partners to improve water security. Some of these projects are at a bankable stage, having completed the technical feasibility studies,” the King highlighted.
Call to development partners
The King urged development partners, including financial institutions, private investors, and multilateral organisations to join Eswatini in advancing the water security ambitions.
He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging support for the Africa Water Investment Scorecard to enhance performance tracking and ensure “our collective efforts deliver measurable results.” –
President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with King Mswati on the sidelines of the 2025 AU-AIP Water Investment Summit, where the two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong bonds between the two countries, including growing political and trade ties. -SAnews.gov.za
