The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced a $140.6 million loan to advance Eswatini’s socioeconomic development by funding critical road infrastructure in the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions.
The loan will fund upgrading a 105.9 km section of the Siphofaneni-Sithobelath-Maloma-Nsoko (MR14) and Maloma-Siphambanweni (MR21) roads to improve their climate resilience. The upgrades will reduce travel times and vehicle operating costs while boosting connectivity of the agriculturally rich areas with other regions.
The project will contribute to poverty reduction by creating jobs for the youth, according to Moono Mupotola, AfDB’s Country Manager for Eswatini, adding “This will be achieved through targeted vocational training and apprenticeship programs.” Up to 200 jobs are expected to be created.
