Eswatini Infrastructure Development Through The Years
Since independence there have been a lot of investments in the infrastructure of the kingdom of Eswatini such that it is ranked among the best in Africa.
The country is continuously investing in its infrastructure like the road network that enables moving across the different 59 constituencies easy. There are also a number of scenic buildings including world standard accommodation like the Sun International Hotels in Ezulwini and Royal Villas.
Eswatini has some lovely modern infrastructure with the tallest building in Manzini being a lovely parkade called Sivuno. The structure, which is eight storeys high can accommodate up to 300 cars in three floors while the other space is leased to shops and other businesses for their offices.
In the capital city the Corporate Place is one of the most attractive sights that greets you on your way from the Border. It has numerous shops and a lovely food court with some of the most famous brands. Also in the same city is the Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane as well as the Ingcamu (PSPF) Building which also make a great impression on the skyline of the city.
Other development has also been supported by various stakeholders including the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development’s Millennium Development Projects Unit.
The objective of the Millennium Project set up in 2001 was to establish a number of projects which will promote faster economic growth and create a large number of new jobs in accordance with the National Development Strategy (NDS). The components of the Millennium Project included a new International Airport with Link Road which have since been set up in Sikuphe, the King Mswati III International Airport. There is also an International Convention Centre and a new Hotel whose construction is ongoing in Ezulwini. Also under key deliverables has been the International Trade Centre in Manzini which also has a lovely sports fascility called the Mavuso Sports Centre.
There are numerous industries in the country, with the largest being the textile and farming industries. There are a lot of activities to do in Eswatini and exploring our rich cultural heritage is one of the most exciting of them all.
The Times of Eswatini also recently reported that Eswatini was ranked ninth among the top 13 African countries with the best infrastructure on the African continent. This is the paper attributed to the 2019 World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report: Infrastructure. Covering 141 economies, the Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 measures national competitiveness—defined as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity.
The future
Looking into the future the Post-Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan reveals even more investments into infrastructure in Eswatini.
The plan notes infrastructure development as important to stimulate economic growth and to alleviate poverty. Adding that quality infrastructure also attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
“In light of these benefits, this sector proposes 16 infrastructure projects worth E4.016 billion that will facilitate trade and enable the private sector growth. A total of 2,191 construction and permanent jobs will be created within 12 months. These projects range from construction of earth dams, corporate head offices, railway infrastructure, depots, and extension of electricity and telecommunications networks,” it states.
