The Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, recently welcomed Henrik Franklin, the UNDP Resident Representative, for a courtesy call. The meeting, attended by the ministry’s Undersecretary Cebile Nhlabatsi and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Nessie Golakai-Gould, focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration between the ministry and UNDP.
Globally, the British Government was recognized as a leading contributor to UNDP in 2023, providing USD 89 million in regular and additional resources. The UK’s support extends to the UNDP’s Climate Promise, aimed at assisting countries in tackling climate change.
Prior to this, Henrik Franklin had met with Dr. Phil Mnisi, Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini, to discuss their ongoing partnership. UNDP is actively aiding the Central Bank in its efforts to transition Eswatini to a low-carbon economy. This effort is part of the broader NDC Partnership Fund initiative, which includes support from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and the US. Through this fund and its Climate Promise, UNDP is helping Eswatini to green its economy and manage climate change risks.
The UNDP-supported Greening of the Central Bank Project positions the Central Bank of Eswatini as a pioneer in promoting a green financial sector and aligning the country’s development with climate action goals.
In August, Henrik Franklin, who will lead UNDP Eswatini’s development efforts for the next five years, was officially introduced to the country. Discussions during his visit have centered on enhancing collaboration between the Ministry and UNDP to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, with an emphasis on private sector development and readiness for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Recently, UNDP has assisted the Ministry in crafting an SME Policy and establishing a Citizen Economic Empowerment Board to advocate for local businesses.
Over the past week, Franklin has been engaging with various institutions across the country. On September 5, 2024, Collin Wells, the British High Commissioner-designate to Eswatini, paid a courtesy visit to Franklin at the UN House. Franklin, a Swedish national fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French, holds an M.Sc. in Biology from Stockholm University and brings over 25 years of experience in multilateral development cooperation from roles at the Nordic Development Fund, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the African Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Franklin began his tenure by meeting his UNDP Eswatini team at the UN House and subsequently presented his credentials to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mabulala Maseko. He also met with UN Eswatini Resident Coordinator, George Wachira.
