Past Event

Eswatini Public Finance Review (PFR): Leveraging Fiscal Adjustment for Better Development Outcomes

 The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini is committed to creating a more conducive environment for long-term prosperity by proactively addressing longstanding economic factors and implementing reforms to unlock sustainable and inclusive growth. Thus, the Eswatini Public Finance Review (PFR), a report which examines and analyzes options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public expenditure and revenue mobilization, in support of economic recovery and medium-term growth will be launched on February 19, 2025.   

LIVE STREAM ON YOUTUBE  

The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini is committed to creating a more conducive environment for long-term prosperity by proactively addressing longstanding economic factors and implementing reforms to unlock sustainable and inclusive growth. Thus, the Eswatini Public Finance Review (PFR), a report which examines and analyzes options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public expenditure and revenue mobilization, in support of economic recovery and medium-term growth will be launched on February 19, 2025.    

The Eswatini Public Finance Review (PFR): Leveraging Fiscal Adjustment for Better Development Outcomes offers the opportunity to make fiscal policy an instrument for macroeconomic stability and external competitiveness.  It establishes that Eswatini has an opportunity to increase revenue while enhancing competition and market contestability. Strengthening public financial management could support fiscal consolidation and promote expenditure efficiency. Public investment management could be strengthened while mainstreaming climate considerations, which is crucial to maximize the impact of public spending on economic growth and development. Finally, it finds that addressing Eswatini's health sector structural challenges, including inefficiencies in public financial management and unequal access to health services, could result in better health outcomes relative to expenditure levels. 

The World Bank invites you to a launch event to explore the topics discussed in the Public Finance Review Leveraging Fiscal Adjustment for Better Development Outcomes.   

 Following a presentation of the findings of the PFR by a World bank delegation led by Ms. Satu Kahkonen, Country Director for the World Bank in Eswatini, the report will be officially launched by Eswatini’s Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Governor of The World Bank, Thambo Gina, Minister of Finance,  Neal Rijkenberg and Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula will also be in attendance.   A panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Ikechi Okorie, World Bank Resident Representative for Eswatini, and featuring leading policy makers, subject matter experts, and civil society stakeholders will deliberate on the findings. This will be followed by a question and answers (Q&A) session presenting an opportunity for the audience in attendance to engage on the report.

The launch will end with closing reflections from Mr. Vusi Dlamini, Principal Secretary of Eswatini’s Ministry of Finance. 

DATE: Wednesday, February 19th, 2025. 09:30am – 12:30 (Eswatini Standard Time; GMT+2)

IME  

ACTIVITY   

SPEAKER  

09:30 -10:00  

Arrival and Registration  

           ALL  

10:00-10:10    

Welcome and Introductions   

  • Mr. Vusie E.  Dlamini, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Finance    

10:10 -10:40    

Remarks  

  • Hon. Neal Rijkenberg, Minister of Finance 
  • Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula, Minister of Health
  • Ms. Satu Kahkonen, Country Director for Eswatini, The World Bank   

10:40 -11: 10  

Presentations  

  • Marko Kwaramba, Sr. Country Economist, The World Bank: Macro-fiscal context and revenue: Making fiscal policy an instrument for macroeconomic stability and external competitiveness.    
  • Joanna Alexandra Watkins, Sr. Public Sector Specialist, The World Bank: Expenditure Management: Strengthening public financial management to support fiscal consolidation and promote expenditure efficiency.    
  • Tengetile Tsabedze, Human Development Specialist, The World Bank: Fiscal policies to improve the performance of the health system.    

11:15 -11: 20  

Official Launch of Public Finance Review   

  • Hon. Thambo Gina, Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Governor of The World Bank     

11:20-11:25  

Official Photo Opportunity 

   

11:30-12:00  

Moderated Panel Discussion    

Moderator:  

  • Mr. Ikechi Okorie, Resident Representative, The World Bank  

Panelist:   

  • Mr. Nathi Dlamini, CEO, Business Eswatini   
  • Ms Nomusa Dlamini-Tibane, Former Chief Economist, Government of Eswatini    
  • Mr Sandile Nxumalo (MP)- Chairperson of Health Portfolio Committee. Parliament of Eswatini    
  • Mr. Buhlebezwe Dlamini, UNESWA Economics Society President       

12:00-12:20  

Questions and Answers    

ALL  

12:20-12:30  

Way Forward & Closing Remarks    

Mr. Vusie E.  Dlamini, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Finance    

12:30  

Lunch   

ALL 

Date: February 19, 2025

Time: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM ET

Location: Online