Manzini – World Vision Eswatini officially launched its National Strategy 2026 to 2030, Eswatini That Cares. Children Who Thrive, on 19 March 2026 in Manzini. The event brought together the Prime Minister, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, government partners, donors, communities, and the children the strategy is designed to serve.
The launch marked a commitment to turning policy into tangible action for children across the Kingdom. The Prime Minister, Honourable Russell Mmiso Dlamini iso Dlamini, spoke under the theme From Policy to Impact, calling for coordinated efforts. “The era of strategies gathering dust must be left behind. The time demands practical, coordinated, and impactful action,” he said.
He described Eswatini’s youth as the nation’s greatest resource rather than a burden. “Our youth are not a challenge, but our greatest resource and economic driving force,” he said, urging all sectors to work together. “Let us advance together in solidarity to build an Eswatini where every child thrives and no one is excluded.”
United Nations Resident Coordinator George Wachira stressed that supporting children and empowering women is a strategic investment. “Investing in children and empowering women is not just a moral obligation. It is a strategic choice that will shape the country’s future,” he said.
Amos Zaindi, National Director of World Vision Eswatini, described the initiative as a model for Southern Africa. “What we are building in Eswatini is not just a strategy. It is a model that shows what becomes possible when government and civil society stop working in parallel and start working as one. From WASH to child protection to food security, the Government of Eswatini has been a genuine partner at every step. That is rare. That is powerful. And it is why Eswatini is becoming a flagship for what development partnership can look like across Southern Africa.”
Zaindi committed World Vision Eswatini to executing the US$68 million strategy, which will benefit 395,000 of the Kingdom’s most vulnerable children over five years.
Voices of children at the event left a strong impression. Hlelo Lwenkosi, World Vision Child Ambassador and co-facilitator of the launch, addressed attendees with striking clarity. “The strategic plan is nothing but papers in the eyes of a blind one. But in the eyes of one who sees the future, this is the future. This is our future generation,” she said, appealing to donors and partners worldwide. “It doesn’t matter how much money it is. What matters is that you are showing that you care about shaping other young people’s futures.”
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