Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Eswatini

29/05/2026

“The Future Is Urban.”

This was the centre of the Honourable Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Appolo Maphalalas address to various stakeholders which had gathered for a symposium on "Climate-Resilient Urban Planning and Affordable Housing in Eswatini". The symposium held at the University of Eswatini's Sports Emporium. The session was organised by UNIGEPS which is a society for students in the university of Eswatini under the Departmemt of Geography, Environmental Science and Planning.
Among the stakeholders in attendance was the Ministry of Education and Training Under Secretary (Schools Management), Mr. Lungelo J. Nhlengetfwa who was representing the Honourable Minister as well as the University's Vice Chancellor Professor J.M. Thwala; National Distaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) Chief Executive Officer, Victor Mahlalela; Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) Executive Director, Isaac Dladla; University lecturers; official from the Ministry; representatives from local authorities (Municipal Council of Manzini; Matsapha Town Council and Malkerns Town Council); as well as students from the university and selected high schools; amongst other stakeholders.
Todays discussions focused on issues of urban, peri-urban and rural development, land tenure systems and affordable housing. Talks placed emphasis on the importance of: integrated spatial planning and infrastructure development; and environmental sustainability and resilience as Eswatini continues to develop
Speakers and presenters highlighted the importance of Housing and affordable housing options, including Honourable Maphalala who further stressed that housing is not merely shelter, but dignity, while highlighting the Ministerial mandate, goals, as well as strategic goals and plans under the Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which aim to use innovative planning to deliver a safe and sustainable future for Emaswati.

By: (Nokuphiwa Dlamini - Intern)
Pictures: (Charity Khumalo - Intern)

29/05/2026

The Minister for Housing and Urban Development Hon. Appolo Maphalala (MP) visited Vuvulane Town Board for a stakeholder engagement session. The engagement was also graced by the Member of Parliament Sifiso Magagula

The Town Clerk, Londiwe Simelane-Nsibande, briefed the honourable minister and stakeholders on the status of development in the town as well as challenges faced by the local authority and Vuvulane community. She further highlighted progress of the Vuvulane Civic Centre development as well as key milestone achievements thus far.

Various stakeholders present which included the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Eswatini Water Services Corporation, as well as representatives from the schools and health facilities in the town amongst others highlighted challenges and developmental deficits that continue to affect the area.

The engagement provided an important platform for collaboration, dialogue, and strengthening efforts towards sustainable community development in Vuvulane.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasized the importance of the finalization of ongoing discussions that will unlock the allocation of existing plots within the town in order to unlock activity and the towns economy.

Lastly, the Town Clerk and civic centre project managers took the honourable minister and guests on a tour of the civic centre building for better appreciation of the development.

(Nokulunga Thwala - Intern)

22/05/2026

[WUF 13]: The Ministry would like to appreciate the opportunity extended by the Government of Kenya to engage in critical discussions on building climate resilience for the urban poor in their stand. The needs and realities of vulnerable urban communities must remain central to all policy and development decisions.

One of the major challenges facing developing countries is limited access to affordable climate finance. Developing nations continue to face significant barriers in raising global finance, as funding mechanisms remain costly and often inaccessible. This is compounded by limited representation in global financial institutions, where developed countries hold substantial influence, as well as inadequate capacity to develop bankable and viable projects. Consequently, the cost of debt for developing countries is often three times higher, or more, than that of developed nations.

As we move forward, we must take deliberate action. His Majesty King Mswati III, in his opening address to the meeting, emphasized the importance of investing in renewable energy, green infrastructure, climate-resilient settlements, smart technologies, and sustainable construction methods, while ensuring that people remain at the centre of development.

This calls on both national governments and municipalities to strengthen investment towards the upgrading and development of informal settlements, ensuring that communities become more climate resilient and better prepared for future challenges.

21/05/2026

[WUF 13]:The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Simon Zwane, today presented Eswatini’s position during the Special Session of the Africa Affordable Housing Compact at the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku.

In his presentation, Dr. Zwane highlighted the urgent need for sustainable, inclusive and market-driven housing solutions across Africa, while outlining Eswatini’s commitment to affordable housing delivery through strengthened land governance; Tinkhundla system, innovative financing mechanisms, housing microfinance and strategic public-private partnerships.

The presentation further showcased Eswatini’s ongoing efforts to align affordable housing with environmental sustainability, economic inclusion and resilient urban development under the Ministry’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.

Eswatini also called on global partners and development finance institutions to support blended finance models, green housing initiatives, land-record digitisation and community-level tenure regularisation to accelerate affordable housing delivery across the continent.

19/05/2026

[WUF 13]: The Kingdom of Eswatini continues to strengthen its commitment towards sustainable urban development, affordable housing, climate resilience and inclusive communities through the implementation of the Africa Urban Forum (AUF 2) Declaration Score Card.

The framework outlines key priorities focused on integrated housing and urban policy reforms, land and infrastructure development, digital planning systems, climate action, municipal financing and social housing initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens.

The implementation score card further promotes stronger collaboration between governments, municipalities, development partners, the private sector and communities to accelerate progress towards resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities across Africa.

As the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, we remain committed to advancing people-centred urban transformation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa Agenda 2063.

18/05/2026

18/05/2026

[WATCH]: His Majesty King Mswati III deliver Eswatini’s National Statement at the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku, calling for inclusive, resilient and people-centred cities under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”

The statement reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to affordable housing, sustainable urban development, climate resilience and integrated spatial planning through Strategy 2030, while emphasizing the importance of dignity, social inclusion and grassroots participation through the Tinkhundla system of governance.

His Majesty further called for stronger global cooperation and innovative partnerships to address the growing challenges of urbanisation, climate change and housing insecurity.

17/05/2026

[WATCH]: The Minister of Housing and Urban Development Honourable Appolo Maphalala (MP) has reaffirmed the Kingdom of Eswatini’s commitment to sustainable housing and resilient urban development during the 13th World Urban Forum currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Delivering Eswatini’s ministerial statement, the Minister highlighted government’s efforts to promote affordable housing, strengthen spatial planning systems, upgrade informal settlements, and integrate climate resilience into urban development policies and legislative frameworks.

He further emphasized the importance of strengthened global cooperation, innovation, and investment in creating inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities and communities in line with Agenda 2030, Agenda 2063, and Sustainable Development Goal 11.

14/05/2026

The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Appolo Maphalala (MP), continues to champion inclusive and sustainable human settlements through community-driven urban planning initiatives.

Yesterday, a Ministry team led by Director of Housing and Human Settlement, Bhekithemba Matsebula, presented the proposed Nkiliji Layout Plan to the community. The proposed plan is aimed at creating an organised, safe and well-planned settlement that supports proper infrastructure development while improving accessibility for residents.

Community participation remains central in shaping settlements that respond to the needs of the people and promote orderly urban development.