In a bold move to confront Eswatini’s chemicals and waste management challenges, the Eswatini Environment Authority, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have launched the transformative project “Reduced Risks on Human Health and the Environment Through Reduction of POPs and UPOPs in Eswatini.”

Backed by a USD 4.9 million investment from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the five-year initiative (2025 – 2030) marks a decisive step toward strengthening institutional and regulatory capacity, safeguarding public health and enhancing environmental resilience nationwide. The project was officially launched on 13 February 2026 in Manzini, Eswatini, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders from international organizations, government institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, non‑governmental organizations, local communities, and the media.

The project focuses on three strategic pillars:

Strengthening Policy and Regulation – Enhancing the enabling environment for integrated chemicals and waste management through improved legislation, enforcement, and institutional coordination.

Advancing a Circular Economy – Promoting circular management of plastics and electronic waste to reduce pollution and recover economic value from waste streams.

Improving Healthcare Waste Systems – Supporting environmentally sound healthcare waste management systems to protect health workers, patients, and communities.

Delivering the opening statement, Hon. Jane Mkhonta‑Simelane, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, highlighted the launch as a bold step toward a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Eswatini, noting that:

“NDC 3.0 calls on us to transform our waste management landscape - building a circular economy that minimizes waste, reuses materials, and unlocks value for our communities. This project is the bridge between promise and progress.”

She affirmed that the initiative advances Eswatini’s Programme of Action and strengthens the country’s climate ambition under NDC 3.0.

Stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, development partners and the private sector discussed the problem, scope and governance framework of the initiative. Discussions at the event demonstrated not only strong interest in the initiative but also a clear desire among stakeholders to play an active role in transforming Eswatini’s waste management landscape. Participants consistently emphasized that lasting change requires commitment from all levels of society - government, private sector, civil society, and communities on the ground - and that this project offers a much‑needed platform for meaningful collaboration.

The sentiment reflected a shared recognition that inclusive participation is essential for the project’s success, and that community engagement will be a cornerstone of achieving real, sustainable progress.

The Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Eswatini, Nessie Golakai‑Gould in her message applauded Eswatini for taking decisive action to advance the country’s commitments under global multilateral environmental agreements, and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to working with Government, the GEF, civil society, and the private sector to deliver meaningful change on the ground:

“Persistent organic pollutants are dangerous chemicals, and the world has committed to eliminate or drastically reduce them through global multilateral environmental agreements including the Stockholm Convention. Eswatini’s leadership in launching this project demonstrates the kind of national action the global community needs. By strengthening waste management systems and investing in circular economy solutions, Eswatini is contributing not only to its own health and environmental security but also to our shared global mission to protect people and planet. UNDP Eswatini with the support of the UNDP Chemicals and Waste Hub will work closely withtheGovernment, the GEF, civil society, and the private sector to support the country in advancing these critical commitments.”

With UNDP as the GEF Executing Entity and the Eswatini Environment Authority and partner ministries leading implementation, this project is grounded in strong national leadership. Its success, however, relies on the active participation of all stakeholders. We encourage partners at every level to support implementation and help transform Eswatini’s waste challenges into solutions that protect people, nature, and our shared global environment.