AfDB-Backed Road Programme to Cut Travel Time, Boost Rural Economy in Eswatini

MBABANE, Eswatini (XOL Africa) — Eswatini has launched a major road infrastructure programme backed by the African Development Bank that aims to halve travel times and transport costs while improving economic opportunities in some of the country’s poorest rural communities.

The first phase of the $175.71 million Eswatini Road Infrastructure Improvement Programme includes the construction of the 80.2-kilometre Siphofaneni-Sithobela-Maloma-Nsoko (MR14) road and the 25.7-kilometre Maloma-Siphambanweni (MR21) road.

The project is financed by the African Development Bank, which is contributing 80% ($140.6 million), while the Government of Eswatini is providing the remaining 20% ($35.1 million).

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini officially launched construction in early July, describing the project as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term infrastructure and economic development strategy.

“We want the whole country to have tarred roads so that people can travel safely,” Dlamini said during the launch ceremony.

“This is what first-world infrastructure looks like: it creates jobs today, integrates national assets like the Mpakeni Dam for tomorrow, and positions Eswatini as an economic leader in the Southern African Development Community region for decades to come.”

The roads will connect communities in the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions, where youth and women’s unemployment stands at 54.3%, according to project officials. Poor road conditions have long increased transport costs, restricted access to markets and limited economic opportunities for residents.

Government officials said the improved road network will strengthen links between rural communities and national and regional markets, while complementing other strategic investments, including the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme. The enhanced connectivity is also expected to support agricultural production, attract private investment and facilitate regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Beyond road construction, the programme includes skills development and community investment initiatives. About 200 young people, including 80 women, will receive construction skills training, while 50 participants will receive entrepreneurship training. The project will also finance community infrastructure, including micro-water systems, schools, health clinics and markets along the corridor.

African Development Bank Deputy Director General for Southern Africa Moono Mupotola said the road programme forms part of the Bank’s broader commitment to Eswatini’s economic transformation.

Mupotola announced a planned $1.03 billion investment programme over the next five years under the Bank’s 2025-2030 Country Strategy Paper, reaffirming the institution’s position as Eswatini’s largest development partner.

She said the strategy focuses on developing climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce the cost of doing business in transport, energy, water and sanitation, while strengthening private-sector competitiveness to create jobs and diversify the economy.

According to Mupotola, the African Development Bank has partnered with Eswatini since 1972, approving 71 loans and grants across sectors including agriculture, transport, energy, water, governance and finance.

The Bank’s active portfolio in Eswatini has expanded from $226.7 million to $527 million over the past five years and now includes 10 operations spanning infrastructure investment, technical assistance, budget support and private-sector financing.

The road improvement programme also includes an axle-load control system, construction of a new weighbridge and the development of Public-Private Partnership and performance-based road maintenance projects aimed at strengthening local contractor capacity and ensuring long-term road sustainability.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s Roads Department is overseeing implementation of the project, which is expected to be completed within 36 months.