By Phiwa Sikhondze
In a remarkable testament to its developmental strides, the Kingdom of Eswatini has shown a steady climb in the Legatum Prosperity Index (LPI) rankings.
The country has been ranked 134 out of 167 countries in the 2024 Index. The current rank indicates an improvement as the country was ranked 142 in the 2023 rankings.
The Index notes that the progress is a reflection of the nation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens through sustained economic growth, investment in health and education, and the strengthening of its social capital.
The Index assesses inclusive societies, open economies, and empowered people to determine overall prosperity, and has highlighted Eswatini’s significant strides in several key areas. Notably, the country has seen improvements in the Investment Environment pillar, where it is now ranked 106th, indicating a more favourable climate for business and investment.
This improvement underscores the country’s efforts to create a conducive atmosphere for business and investment, which is critical for long-term prosperity.
Despite facing challenges, Eswatini has made commendable progress in areas such as Safety & Security, Governance, and Infrastructure & Market Access. However, the rankings also point to areas where further attention is needed, particularly in Personal Freedom and Social Capital, where Eswatini ranks 150th.
The LPI gauges the wealth and well-being of countries and ranks nations based on various factors including economic quality, business environment, governance, personal freedom, safety and security, social capital, and the natural environment. It aims to provide a comprehensive picture of what makes a country prosperous, considering the material wealth as well as the happiness and satisfaction of the people living there.
As Eswatini celebrates this achievement, it also looks to the future with a vision to further climb the prosperity ladder, ensuring that the benefits of growth are widely shared among all EmaSwati.
The Legatum Prosperity Index is compiled by the Legatum Institute, based in London, United Kingdom, which provides this insightful analysis into global prosperity. In the 2023 Legatum Prosperity Index, Denmark has emerged as the top-ranked country, demonstrating the highest standards of prosperity. At the other end of the spectrum, South Sudan finds itself at the lowest rank, indicating significant need for improvement in various aspects of prosperity.