Manzini – Eswatini took a bold step toward boosting its sports sector when the High-Performance Sports Strategy 2025–2036 was officially launched on Saturday, May 17, at the George Hotel in Manzini.
The event brought together key figures including Hon. Bongani Nzima, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs; Adam Mthethwa, President of the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA); Celucolo Dlamini, Chairman of the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC); and leaders of various national sports federations.
The strategy sets a long-term vision to raise Eswatini’s profile in international sports, aiming to secure the country’s first Olympic medal by 2036. More than just chasing medals, the plan focuses on building sustainable sports systems, promoting a culture of discipline and excellence, and nurturing athletes who can compete on the global stage.
The strategy aligns with the national Sports and Recreation Policy and will be supported by the upcoming Sports Act. It rests on five pillars: Talent Identification and Development, Governance and Leadership, Sports Science and Technology, International Exposure, and Partnerships and Funding.
Minister Nzima revealed that government funding for sports has increased significantly, with the budget rising from E7 million in 2022 to E19 million this year. He called on national federations to fully own the strategy, urged private companies to treat sports as an investment in national progress, and reminded athletes of their central role in this journey.
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