Eswatini requires E1.2 billion to clear invasive alien plants that are rapidly degrading ecosystems, choking rivers, destroying grazing lands, and reducing water availability for farming and industrial use.
This was revealed by the Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA) during the Lusushwana Nature-based Solutions Pilot Exhibition on Friday.
Speaking on behalf of the EEA Executive Director, Nenekazi Thwala, warned that the country faces a mounting ecological and economic emergency. Eswatini now has about 340 naturalised alien species, of which at least 16 are classified as major invaders. The national strategy indicates that up to 95% of the country is at risk of invasion, threatening biodiversity, water security, agriculture, and public health.
“These plants consume massive amounts of water, displace indigenous vegetation, intensify fires, reduce crop yields, and poison livestock,” Thwala said. “The E1.2 billion represents only the cost of clearing. It does not include losses to agriculture, rangelands, or community livelihoods.”
The government is implementing the National Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) Strategy 2020–2030, built on three pillars: early detection and rapid response, impact reduction on affected landscapes, and strengthening institutional capacity. The Department of Forestry is leading species identification, community training, and mapping, supporting restoration efforts such as the current Lusushwana pilot.
At Friday’s event, ENTC’s Mduduzi Ndzinisa, representing the CEO, said the fight cannot be won without multi-sector partnerships and predictable financing. UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin said invasive species are undermining both ecological and economic stability.
“Healthy catchments are essential for water security. We need sustainable models, including an environmental service fee for downstream users, to maintain ecosystems,” Franklin said.
He said downstream industries such as CONCO, farmers, and processors stand to lose the most from deteriorating rivers and should co-invest in catchment protection.
Business Eswatini CEO, E. Nathi Dlamini, represented by Musa Maseko, said the problem is already affecting industrial operations.
“The private sector views water, land, and ecosystems not merely as environmental issues, but as foundational economic assets. When catchments degrade, businesses suffer, whether it is farmers facing reduced yields, agri-processors grappling with supply shortages, manufacturers experiencing water constraints, or communities seeing livelihoods threatened,” said Maseko.
He called for a structured Catchment Investment Programme to provide predictable financing.
Thwala closed by reminding stakeholders that invasive species control is not merely an environmental concern: “It is a national survival issue. Every household, every farmer, every business is affected. Clearing these invaders is an investment in Eswatini’s long-term future.”