Eswatini government seeks E3.79 billion in loans
The Ministry of Finance tabled three loan bills in the House of Assembly to finance development projects.
The Eswatini government is seeking E3.79 billion through loans to fund infrastructure and social development projects. Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg presented three loan Bills to the House of Assembly on Thursday.
One Bill seeks to authorise a loan of up to E1.6 billion from Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and other lenders. This borrowing is for projects agreed upon between the government and the arranger. The total public debt stood at E43.04 billion as of September 29, 2026.
The proposed loan will incur interest at a margin of 4.95 per cent per annum, plus arranging fees and facility management charges. An arranging fee could amount to E20.8 million based on the maximum facility. An annual management fee of E380,000 is also stipulated.
Why it mattersEswatini's government is borrowing money, which will affect public finances and development projects.