Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Khulekani Mavimbela
Published on 2024-04-10 09:28:14
The European Union (EU) recently conducted a presentation to Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini in Mbabane, Swaziland on April 8, 2024. Led by EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, and the EU Delegation team, the presentation focused on the EU’s committed partnership with the Kingdom to enhance socio-economic progress and inclusive growth.
The discussion delved into various cooperation areas between the EU and Eswatini, highlighting the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) and ongoing thematic initiatives. One of the key areas of focus was education and skills development. The EU has significantly contributed to Eswatini’s educational landscape, particularly through initiatives like free primary education (FPE) between 2007 and 2012. The EU also played a crucial role in infrastructure development in schools and colleges by constructing classrooms and laboratories, as well as formulating a competence-based curriculum for schools.
The EU’s current support framework from 2021 to 2027 aims to strengthen human development and social inclusion with a market-driven approach, emphasizing vocational education and training (TVET) and empowering disadvantaged youth and women. The presentation also highlighted partnership areas such as sustainable and inclusive renewable energy, private sector development, and the enhancement of livestock value chains. Ambitious projects aimed at supporting water security, water harvesting schemes, and initiatives for youth and women empowerment, including combating gender-based violence, were also unveiled.
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, accompanied by the Minister of Economic Planning and Planning Dr. Tambo Gina and The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela, expressed the significance of the EU’s support for Eswatini’s development. The Ministers praised the EU’s commitment to the country’s development, acknowledging the transformative impact of the EU’s contributions across various sectors, making tangible differences in the lives of emaSwati and propelling the nation towards a brighter future.
Overall, the EU’s presentation to Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini underscored the strong partnership between the EU and Eswatini, with a focus on sustainable development, education, skills development, and social inclusion. The EU’s continued support and initiatives are poised to further enhance the socio-economic progress of the Kingdom and contribute to its long-term prosperity.
Read the original article on swazidailynews.com
