The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $140.6 million loan to Eswatini for the first phase of a road infrastructure program aimed at enhancing national and regional mobility, creating jobs, and supporting socio-economic development. The initiative, which focuses on the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions, is expected to create at least 200 well-paying jobs and address long-standing infrastructure challenges.
The program will upgrade 105.9 km of paved roads, including the Siphofaneni-Sithobelath-Maloma-Nsoko (MR14) and Maloma-Siphambanweni (MR21) sections. These roads will be expanded to 12.3 meters wide, with 2-meter paved shoulders on each side, and adapted to withstand climate change impacts. This investment is anticipated to reduce travel times, lower vehicle operating costs, and facilitate year-round transportation.
The project also includes constructing an axle-load weighing facility along the MR14 road and implementing sectoral reforms to improve road safety policies, which have been inconsistently applied. Additionally, an axle-load control program will be designed to enhance transportation efficiency.
Moono Mupotola, the AfDB Country Manager for Eswatini, highlighted the program’s transformative potential. “Above all, the project will contribute to poverty reduction by creating well-paid jobs for young people in economically disadvantaged regions such as Lubombo and Shiselweni,” she said. Vocational training and apprenticeship programs will equip at least 200 youth with market-relevant professional and technical skills.
The Lubombo and Shiselweni regions have abundant agricultural resources but face limited employment opportunities and a lack of essential skills among young people. The upgraded infrastructure aims to unlock the regions’ economic potential and reduce poverty.
Since starting operations in Eswatini in 1972, the AfDB has contributed over $820 million through grants and concessional loans. Its investments have spanned agriculture, energy, water and sanitation, transport, governance, and other sectors, significantly supporting the country’s development.