Eswatini's Economic Challenges:

An Update as of November 2025

Eswatini, a lower-middle-income country with a population of approximately 1.2 million and a GDP per capita of around $3,898 (2024), faces persistent structural economic hurdles despite modest recovery signals. The economy, heavily reliant on services (over 50% of output) and manufacturing (about one-third, including sugar and soft drink concentrates), grew by 3% in 2024, down from 3.5% in 2023, hampered by a severe drought and weaker services output. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a rebound to 4.3% growth in 2025 and 4.6% in 2026, driven by domestic investments and manufacturing recovery, though this outpaces regional averages but falls short of addressing deep-seated issues. Inflation eased to 4% in 2024, supported by lower food prices, but vulnerabilities to external shocks and domestic inefficiencies persist.Key challenges stem from high unemployment, entrenched poverty, fiscal pressures, and limited diversification. The economy's dependence on volatile Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenues— which fund over 20% of the budget—exacerbates instability, with a projected widening fiscal deficit in FY2025. Below is a summary of major challenges, followed by key indicators.Major Economic Challenges

• High Unemployment and Youth Joblessness: Unemployment stands at 34% overall, with youth rates (ages 15-24) at 56-58% as of 2023, the highest in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Limited formal job creation, a skills mismatch in education, and an overabundance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) stifling private sector competition contribute to this. With over half the population under 25, this risks social unrest and a lost demographic dividend.
• Poverty and Inequality: About 55% of the population lives below the $4.20/day poverty line (PPP 2021), unusually high for a lower-middle-income nation, affecting rural areas hardest due to climate shocks like droughts. The Gini coefficient of 54.6 reflects extreme inequality, worsened by unequal access to services and opportunities. Food insecurity impacts one-fifth of households.
• Fiscal and Debt Pressures: The fiscal deficit narrowed slightly to 1.3% of GDP in FY2024/25 but is expected to widen amid rising wage bills, capital spending, and interest payments outpacing SACU inflows. Public debt reached 40.5% of GDP by end-2024, with domestic arrears to the private sector at 3.5% of GDP, eroding business confidence. SOEs drain resources through inefficiencies and subsidies.
• Sectoral and Structural Weaknesses: Agriculture, employing 25% of the workforce, contracted due to the 2024 drought, while manufacturing faces global trade pressures (e.g., potential U.S.-China trade war spillovers). Low financial inclusion—37% of adults unbanked—hampers growth, and the business environment is rated "mostly unfree" due to regulatory hurdles and corruption perceptions. Human capital gaps, including high HIV prevalence, stunting, and poor education quality, limit productivity.
• External Vulnerabilities: As a small open economy, Eswatini is exposed to global commodity price swings, climate events, and SACU revenue volatility (down 14% in 2024). The current account surplus shrank to 0.8% of GDP in 2024, with international reserves covering just 2.4 months of imports. Regional trade disruptions and slow diversification into tourism or renewables add risks.

Key Economic Indicators (2024 Actuals and 2025 Projections)

Policy recommendations from the IMF and World Bank emphasize fiscal consolidation, SOE reforms, digital economy investments, and climate-resilient agriculture to unlock growth.

However, implementation lags amid political constraints. For visuals, recent World Bank reports feature charts on poverty trends and sectoral contributions (e.g., see their July 2025 Economic Update infographics).

Overview of Eswatini's Democracy and Political Stability (as of November 15, 2025)

Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy under King Mswati III, continues to face entrenched challenges to democratic governance and human rights. While the country has maintained surface-level political stability in 2025 with no large-scale internal protests, underlying tensions persist from the violent crackdown on pro-democracy movements in 2021. International assessments classify Eswatini as "Not Free," highlighting severe restrictions on political pluralism, free assembly, and judicial independence. The government's resistance to reforms, coupled with impunity for past abuses, fuels ongoing discontent among activists, opposition groups, and civil society. Economic pressures, including high unemployment and inequality, exacerbate these issues, though weak opposition structures have limited mobilization this year.

Democracy Status

Eswatini's political system remains dominated by the monarchy, with the king holding ultimate authority over the executive, legislature, judiciary, and traditional chieftaincy structures. There are no competitive elections for the head of government, and political parties are effectively banned under the Tinkhundla system, which favours royal appointees and limits opposition influence. Freedom House's 2025 report assigns Eswatini a score of 17/100 ("Not Free"), with just 1/40 for political rights and 16/60 for civil liberties. Key deficits include:

• Electoral Process: 0/12 – No free and fair elections; parliamentary seats are filled via non-partisan "inkhundla" contests that exclude meaningful opposition.
• Political Pluralism: 1/16 – Dissent is criminalized under sedition and terrorism laws.
• Rule of Law: 4/16 – Judiciary lacks independence, with courts upholding repressive statutes in 2024.
  Read more: Democracy and Political Stability

At 15:00 hours today, Thursday the 28th August 2025, the SWALIMO team headed by E Mduduzi Simelane, plus 3 other SWALIMO members and John Burke of ZHRO will deliver the petition as available to our readers at the LINK BELOW - this item will became available at 15:20 today as a timed item upon the website.

It starts with:

PETITION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENT

Delivered by: Eric Mduduzi 'Gawzela' Simelane, President, Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) On behalf of the Justice for Swaziland Campaign. [See Photo] However, Zimbabwe Chief Felix Ndiweni was cleared to enter the gates to Number 10, but, he had to cancel due to being hospitalised - we wish him a speedy recovery.

1. Introduction
"We, the undersigned members of the Justice for Swaziland Campaign, an alliance of political and civil society organizations advocating for democracy and human rights in the Kingdom of Swaziland (Eswatini), submit this petition to the United Kingdom Parliament through the Prime Minister's Office. This petition is made in recognition of the historic ties between the United Kingdom and Swaziland and in response to the grave human rights violations committed by the Swazi monarchy under King Mswati III."

LATEST FULL PETITION - CLICK HERE

The weather was fine today and we saw no rain at all during the Petition hand-over. We did get a moment of sunshine to fall upon the team as they delivered this vital document to the Office of the Prime Minister at the door of Number 10 Downing Street, his Official Residence. The staff and Police at Number 10 were more than helpful to our team who entered the secure compound. An experience they all will not forget in a hurry.

We were all welcomed into the gated compound to deliver this well written petition, the Policeman who accompanyed our group even took some photos of us all!

We anticipate some comments from the petitioners shortly

SWALIMO has applied and been granted permission to deliver a written petition regarding justice for citizens of Eswatini - to be delivered to 10 Downing Street, for onward transmission to the United Kingdom Parliament.

Keep the date and time free: 28th August 2025 at 15:00 a group of 6 people will enter the 'hallowed' gates to Downing Street to deliver a petition written by E Mduduzi Simelane, and delivered by E Mduduzi Simelane, 3 other Swalimo members - also delivering will be Zimbabwean Chief, Felix Ndiweni and ZHRO Founder John Burke - who have helped organise this, our first petition.

The image shown is for a previous ZHRO petition, and will be replaced after SWALIMO deliver ours after the 28th August 2025

Please support this initiative and be at the statue (of General B Montgomery) opposite the gated entrance to Downing Street from 14:00 onwards, for demonstration and speeches.

HhoHho Ward Council

HhoHho Branch Executive Coulcil

Information on Ward Councils

Informanation on 18 Branch Executive Councils

MANZINI DISTRICT ELECTIONS OUTCOME

Comrades

We extend our gratitude to all delegates, observers and SWALIMO stakeholders who made Manzini District Conference a resounding success. The conference concluded with renewed mandate to advance the struggle for Social, economical and Political freedom.

The conference reaffirmed our commitment to building a radical, democratic and disciplined youth battalion rooted in the aspirations of the Swazi majority.

Thatha Manzini Thatha!
Forward to Democracy Forward!

Revolutionary Regards
Cde Mzweleni Topdawg Vilakati
Secretary General

Welcome to the Swaziland Liberation Movement

The Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) is a Non-Profit organisation (NPO) founded in June 2021. The Movement is a democratic, mass-based liberation movement that campaigns for the advancement of democracy, human rights, equality, justice, safety and dignity for the people of Swaziland.

The movement aims to promote the principles and ideals of social justice, which advocate for equal rights and equitable opportunities for all, equal access to wealth, health, well-being, justice, privileges, and opportunity regardless of the person’s social, legal, political, economic status.

In fulfilling this aim, the SWALIMO seeks to lead and support the struggle of all democratic and patriotic forces to eliminate the oppressive ESwatini’s absolute monarchical system of governance and replace it with a united, democratic ESwatini in which all the people shall govern and enjoy equal rights and freedoms collectively.

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Terms and conditions

Definition: Sponsor means the entity sponsoring the Swaziland Liberation Movement and its projected activist. It includes Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. All sponsors are required to lodge their preferences with the political movement via email using the designated application form. The designated personnel of the Political Movement (SWALIMO) then notifies the sponsor which preference is successful following which the sponsor then offers its sponsorship, which is then accepted by the representatives of the Movement on its behalf.

The Movement retains the right to reject any sponsor that it deems inappropriate or unsuitable.

After written acceptance by the Political Movement’s representatives issuing a tax invoice, the sponsor must provide an image of their logo in the format required together with other requested details within 10 days of receipt of acceptance. (This will be in line with the selected or preferred sponsorship package).

The acceptance of the application shall be at the discretion of the SWAZILAND LIBERATION MOVEMENT, and upon acceptance, becomes a contract. By completing and signing the application, the undersigned agrees to comply with, and be subject to, the terms and conditions contained in this document.

One Hundred per cent (100%) of the sponsorship must be paid within 10 Days of invoice, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the SWAZILAND LIBERATION MOVEMENT.

All sponsorship materials must be submitted to the SWAZILAND LIBERATION MOVEMENT as agreed on between the parties.

Liberation Charter of 2021 (SWALIMO)

We, the People of Swaziland, declare for all our country and the world to know: that Swaziland belongs to all who live in it, irrespective of gender, creed or race and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all its inhabitants.

• that our people have tremendously suffered past injustices and have been denied peace, freedom and equality by a greedy authoritarian regime founded on exploitative methods, injustice and inequality;
• that our country will never see Freedom until all our people enjoy equal rights and equal opportunities;
• that only a democratic state, based on the will of all the people, can secure to all their birth right without distinction of col0ur, race, sex or belief;

And therefore, we, the people of Swaziland, black and white together as equals, countrymen and brothers adopt this Liberation Charter; And we pledge ourselves as a united Swazi Nation to strive together, with wisdom and courage, until the democratic changes set out here have been won.

1. The Swazi People Shall Lead

All persons, irrespective of race, sex, color or tribal affiliation shall have the right to take part in the administration of the country.
All bodies formed along royal blood, including advisory boards, council and authorities shall be fully replaced by a representative and transparent will of the people.
No one shall represent the people without the will of the people.
The parliament shall be by the people, for the people and of the people.
The head of state shall be fully accountable to the people together with and elected Cabinet of Ministers.

2. The Swazi People Shall Share The Country’s Wealth

All Swazis shall have equal rights to trade according to their preference.
All minerals in the state shall benefit the Swazi people and be transferred to all and shall be controlled to benefit the nations as a whole.
All heritage and the national wealth of Swaziland shall be preserved and restored to the people of Swaziland.

3. All Swazi Shall Enjoy Freedom And Equal Rights

The people shall enjoy equal treatment irrespective of tribal affiliation, ideology, and class.
All Swazi nationals shall fully be protected against insults to their traditional pride and discrimination, nepotism shall be punishable by law.
All unfriendly and dictated laws shall be set aside and replaced by representative and fully agreed upon laws.

4. All Shall Enjoy Decent Public Health And Free Education

There shall be free public health for all, all shall receive the same treatment irrespective of class, ideology or tribal affiliation.
Special medical care shall be given to the elderly, women and young children.

5. There shall be houses, security and transparent employment opportunities

The state shall care for all orphans, the elderly and people living with disabilities through social grants.
Slums shall be replaced with decent state houses with running clean water, electricity and social centres.

6. All Shall Be Equal Before The Law And None Shall Be Above

No one shall be unjustly prosecuted and imprisoned without a fair representative trail.
The justice systems shall act independently and courts shall be representative of all the people.
Imprisonment shall aim at beneficial correctional measures with decent living conditions.

7. There Shall Be Peace and Harmony

All disputes shall be settled through negotiations and not force.
Swaziland shall remain a fully independent state which respects the rights and sovereignty of all nations;
Swaziland shall strive to maintain world peace and foster democratic values and principles and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation - not war;
Peace and friendship amongst all our people shall be secured by upholding the equal rights, opportunities and status of all;
Only and only the People of Swaziland shall determine their own political and socio-economic future.

8. The Military And Police Force Shall Protect And Defend The Will Of The Swazi People.

All Military Commanders and Police Commissioners shall exercise their duties without fear or intimidation.
All Police force shall have a right to abstain from fulfilling their duties under occupation, by reason of conscience, and this shall not affect their professional status.
All an armed civilians and persons put out of action by injury, capture or other cause must be respected and protected by the Military and/ or the Police force.

9. There shall be decent monthly social grants for the elderly, and persons living with disability.

All groups shall enjoy the benefits of the state irrespective of their status in life.
Non shall be deprived decent living conditions and all shall be afforded reasonable financial support in the form of social grants.

10. There shall be a recognition of Traditional Structures and upholders of cultural customs and heritage.

All cultural heritage and the national endowment of Swaziland shall be preserved and restored to the people of Swaziland.
Cultural identity shall be owned by the people of Swaziland