MBABANE: Eswatini has formally received its first locally based Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) representative, marking a new phase of cooperation between the Kingdom and the UN agency on food security, agriculture and climate resilience.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu received the credentials of Rosanne Marchesich, who was appointed FAO Representative in Eswatini by FAO Director General Dr Qu Dongyu.
Marchesich’s appointment follows an agreement signed on 14 October 2025 between the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the FAO to establish a permanent FAO representation in Mbabane.
The establishment of the office stems from a commitment made by His Majesty King Mswati III during his visit to Rome in 2024 for the World Food Forum. During the visit, the King announced Eswatini’s intention to host an FAO office as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation in tackling food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among young people and women.
The initiative was formally advanced in 2025 when Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, representing the King, signed the Host Country Agreement with the FAO at the organisation’s headquarters in Rome, Italy.
The signing was witnessed by Senator Shakantu, Minister of Agriculture MP Mandla Tshawuke and other senior government officials.
The new representation in Mbabane is expected to provide a more direct platform for coordination between the FAO and the Eswatini government, with greater focus on agricultural development, food security and climate resilience.
The locally based presence is also expected to support technical cooperation and closer oversight of projects, while improving coordination around resources for smallholder farmers and commercial agricultural networks.
Areas of cooperation include climate smart agriculture, youth agribusiness initiatives and targeted food security programmes across Eswatini’s four regions.
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