STATEMENT BY THE RT HON PRIME MINISTER OF THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
DR B.SIBUSISO DLAMINI
AT SUMMIT OF AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
MARRAKESH, MOROCCO, NOVEMBER 2016
Your Majesty King Mohamed VI
Heads of State
Excellencies Prime Ministers
Honourable Ministers
Distinguished delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my honour and pleasure to address this august gathering on behalf of our Head of State, His Majesty King Mswati III.
Sustainable social and human development for Planet Earth will be just a dream if simultaneously sustained are its enemies in the form of poverty, vulnerability to periodic pandemics, global warming and prevailing patterns of consumption and production that cause environmental degradation. All our countries are committed to eliminating those enemies, but is the pace fast enough? And visible.
The Government of Swaziland is committed to ensuring that the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are aligned to our national development strategies and programmes. Goals cost money. They demand economic growth and its spin-off impact on the level of Government resources available for the targeted standards of public service delivery.
The Kingdom of Swaziland mirrors the circumstances, challenges and intended solutions that are the story in most other countries of our continent. We have an open economy, closely tied to the global one whose sluggish performance has affected Swaziland, resulting in a low rate of economic growth and high unemployment levels. Intensified efforts to reduce the relatively high poverty levels, in an inclusive manner, are being given a high priority but we face a huge challenge.
Infrastructure development which would serve as a catalyst to stimulate economic activity and reduce high levels of unemployment, has been limited by declining revenues, thus obstructing capital formation and advancement towards greater industrialization. In addition, the country has been severely impacted by climate change and the cyclical weather phenomenon, El Nino. These have had a hugely damaging effect on crop production, agro-processing industries and, as a result, food security and the reduction of poverty. Severe drought conditions have had a devastating effect, depriving our people of water and food, with the loss of tens of thousands of our cattle.
Our commitment to climate change action is undiminished, though, in common with others in the group of developing countries, our now-formalised strategies require resource support for the necessary adaptation and mitigation work.
Despite the challenges, we do not sit on our hands. Our Government has substantially improved the national business environment in order to attract new domestic and foreign investment, and has upscaled our domestic revenue-collection processes with significant results. Government has embarked on an ambitious plan to create national energy self-sufficiency in the coming years, and has vigorously engaged the private sector to co-invest in sources of renewable energy. Our environmental protection measures promote the sustainable management of our natural resources and eco-systems.
The HIV and AIDS required substantial and continuous financial support for thousands of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs). Resources have to be found for these and other disadvantaged groups, including the elderly, as we upgrade our social protection mechanisms. Meeting our constitutional commitment to provide free public primary education has demanded a huge increase in resources, but enrolment is now almost 100%.
Having a healthy nation is vital, from both a humanitarian and practical perspective. We continue to encounter the challenge of high rates of maternal and child mortality, as well as malnutrition and stunted growth. These are now crucially important areas for improvement. On the other hand, with relatively limited resources, our achievements in key indices relating to HIV, TB and malaria have met with international recognition. Our wellness programmes actively tackle the emerging threat posed by communicable diseases.
Success in human development demands that we use the opportunities created by globalisation, and minimise the negative risks and effects. We, the African continent, are aware of the enormous advantages of economic integration and the pooling of our natural resources. Our continental and regional programmes reflect this. The eradication of poverty is our central goal within the over- arching objective of Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth for all by 2030 and continuing beyond.
Thank you.