Eswatini has launched the first phase of a major road infrastructure programme designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel times and transport costs, and accelerate economic development in some of the country’s most underserved rural communities.
The Eswatini Road Infrastructure Improvement Programme, valued at $175.7 million, is jointly financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Eswatini. The AfDB is providing approximately 80 percent of the funding, while the government is contributing the remaining 20 percent.
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The first phase includes the construction of the 80.2-kilometre Siphofaneni–Sithobela–Maloma–Nsoko (MR14) road and the 25.7-kilometre Maloma–Siphambanweni (MR21) road. Once completed, the new roads are expected to reduce travel time and transport costs by at least 50 percent while improving access to markets, healthcare, education and other essential services.
Launching the project, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini said the initiative forms part of the government’s long-term vision to expand modern road infrastructure across the country and create new economic opportunities for citizens.
The roads pass through the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions, where unemployment—particularly among young people and women—remains high. Improved transport infrastructure is expected to encourage agricultural production, attract private investment and strengthen regional trade, including opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Beyond road construction, the programme includes skills development initiatives that will train 200 young people, including 80 women and girls, in construction-related skills. Fifty participants will also receive entrepreneurship training to support local business development.
The project will finance additional community infrastructure such as water supply systems, schools, health clinics and local markets, helping improve living conditions along the transport corridor.
African Development Bank Deputy Director General for Southern Africa Moono Mupotola reaffirmed the institution’s long-term commitment to Eswatini’s development, highlighting a planned $1.03 billion investment programme over the next five years under the Bank’s 2025–2030 Country Strategy Paper.According to the Bank, the programme will strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure, improve the business environment and support private-sector growth while creating employment opportunities and enhancing economic resilience.
The road infrastructure project will be implemented by the Roads Department within the Ministry of Public Works and Transport over a period of 36 months, forming a key part of Eswatini’s strategy to modernize transport networks and promote inclusive national development.
