Government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, and academia gathered at the Royal Villas Hotel at Ezulwini this week for a three-day Portfolio Sensemaking Workshop aimed at co-creating innovative solutions to accelerate inclusive and sustainable prosperity in Eswatini. Held from June 22-24, the three-day workshop is facilitated by experts from the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa. 

Convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Eswatini Country Office, the workshop marks a significant step in the transition from traditional project-based programming to a portfolio approach that addresses interconnected development challenges through systems thinking.

Opening the workshop, UNDP Resident Representative, Henrik Franklin, emphasized that the world is facing a “global poly-crisis,” where economic, environmental, social, technological and geopolitical shocks overlap and reinforce one another.

“Incremental change is no longer sufficient,” Franklin said. “We must move beyond isolated projects and work together to unlock transformative change that addresses the root causes of development challenges.”

The workshop forms part of UNDP’s efforts to design a country portfolio that will serve as the primary delivery mechanism for its 2026–2030 Country Programme Document. The proposed portfolio seeks to support Eswatini’s ambition of attaining high-middle-income status by addressing structural barriers to growth while improving opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Representing the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Principal Economic Officer Siphiwe Dlamini, speaking on behalf of Principal Secretary Thabsile Mlangeni, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the need for integrated responses to the country’s development challenges.

“Eswatini stands at a critical juncture,” Dlamini said. “Persistent unemployment, particularly among young people, poverty, inequality and climate change require cross-sectoral solutions rather than isolated interventions.”

The workshop is guided by UNDP Eswatini’s strategic intent to leverage its role as a convener, connector, trusted partner and thought leader to advance inclusive and sustainable prosperity for all. Through consultations and systems analysis, the country office identified three key transformation areas: stronger and more inclusive institutions, innovative economic models that support a diversified and green economy, and enhanced citizen agency that empowers people to shape their own development outcomes.

In the first day, participants spent the first day exploring how systems and portfolio programming differ from traditional development approaches and discussing the alignment between national priorities and the UNDP Strategic Plan.

The second day will feature presentations from government ministries, the private sector, civil society, academia and development partners, to share lessons on what has enabled or constrained socio-economic progress in Eswatini. These discussions sought to identify patterns, leverage points and opportunities for collaboration across sectors.

On the final day, participants will translate insights into action by identifying strategic entry points, designing catalytic interventions and strengthening partnerships that can drive systemic change at scale.

A recurring message throughout the workshop is the importance of collaboration and innovation. Participants were encouraged to challenge assumptions, think differently and contribute bold ideas that can help unlock Eswatini’s development potential.

The outcomes of the workshop will inform the design of UNDP Eswatini’s Prosperity Portfolio, a long-term framework aimed at fostering resilient institutions, a dynamic green economy and greater citizen participation, ensuring that growth benefits all Emaswati and accelerates progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.