King Mswati of Ewatini addressed heads of state and other stakeholders during the African Union (AU) Water Summit held in Cape Town-South Africa. Here are some highlights from his speech:
- Strong endorsement of the Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP)
Eswatini fully supports the AIP, which aims to mobilise US $30 billion annually to close Africa’s water investment gap, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. - Major water infrastructure plans
The country is pursuing significant projects such as the Mpakeni Dam, Nondvo Multipurpose Dam, and the raising of the Hawane Dam, with a combined estimated funding requirement of about US $115 million, alongside a US $2 billion WASH Master Plan. - Regional water cooperation
Eswatini works closely with South Africa and Mozambique on transboundary water management, including joint projects like the Maguga and Driekoppies Dams, and the equitable utilisation of the Incomati and Maputo Rivers. - Innovative financing approach
The nation welcomes public-private partnerships, blended finance, and access to climate finance mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, and Adaptation Fund to ensure sustainable investment. - Climate change and water scarcity challenge
The speech highlights Africa’s worsening climate impacts, limited access to funding and technology, and the urgent need to address water security and sanitation gaps through improved investment climates and private sector participation.
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.
