BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has announced that Eswatini has surpassed the expectations set by the Abuja Declaration, achieving a remarkable 57kg/ha of soil nutrient content compared to the target of 50kg/ha.
The premier revealed this at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) Summit for Heads of State and Government of the African Union held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 7-9 May 2024.
The Summit held under the theme: “Speak to the Soil,” was jointly organised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the African Union Commission. It was preceded by a meeting of Agriculture Ministers and a Joint Ministerial meeting of Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, to which the Kingdom of Eswatini was represented by Hon. Mandla Tshawuka.
The Prime Minister asserted that the government had taken decisive steps to underscore the pivotal role of soil as a natural resource in promoting sustainable agriculture. Dlamini emphasised the importance of adopting farming practices that prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability, ensuring a productive and healthy food system for generations to come.
He stated that Eswatini had the unique opportunity to join the historic Tumaini Initiative, spearheaded by Kenyan President H.E. William Ruto.
The initiative aims to mediate the decade-long conflict in South Sudan as the country gears up for presidential elections.
The PM said Eswatini is honoured to be part of this vital peace initiative, which could bring about a transformative solution to the long-standing conflict in South Sudan.
He revealed that on the sidelines of the summit, he held joint meetings with Kenyan President H.E. William Ruto to reaffirm and solidify the amicable relations between the two countries.
He also had a constructive conversation with Bheki Bhembe, a former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, who currently serves as an Economic Advisor at UNDP in Nairobi, Kenya. The discussion centred on Bhembe’s experience working both within the Eswatini government and as a UN expatriate employee.
