By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2025-04-06

Princess Sikhanyiso views the recent executive orders issued by US President Donald Trump, which include sweeping cuts to aid and the imposition of new tariffs as a ‘blessing in disguise’.

The princess, who is also director of economic affairs at the king’s office, offered a reflective and pragmatic response, urging Emaswati to take the opportunity to reimagine their nation as self-sustaining rather than aid-dependant.

While acknowledging the human cost and economic strain brought about by USAID and PEPFAR cuts — as well as the 10 per cent import tariff imposed on the country by the United States, she said the moment called for deep introspection and renewed commitment to national independence.

“While it is honestly sad and regrettable that there are people who have lost their livelihoods and are now in dire need of crucial medication, I believe there is a lesson in what the leader of the free world is doing,” she said.

While many stakeholders have been caught off guard by the sudden shifts in US policy, the princess made it clear that she believes the country should not be shocked — rather, look beyond the immediate disruption and see this as a wake-up call.

“His Majesty has always emphasised the importance of independence as a state.
In his Speeches from the Throne, he has spoken consistently about a budget that responds to our needs,” she stated.

“It is therefore, quite regrettable that we are still not prepared for external shocks of this nature and that alone should move us into action,” the princess added. 

Rather than dwelling on the disruption, she has framed Trump’s executive orders as a stark but necessary reminder of the country’s need to chart its own path.

“This moment should teach us the importance of standing on our own. We must build systems that can sustain us, without always looking outside for help,” she said.

On that account, she called for a national rethink on economic self-reliance and responsibility, particularly in the management of resources.

“I believe we have the potential to be self-sufficient and I believe we have the resources.
 The issue is with wealth distribution and management. That is a disease we need to curb,” she emphasised.

“We need to stop being viewed as paupers. We must position ourselves as trading partners with the west and the rest of the world. It is time to stop being recipients of aid and instead start taking ownership of our development,” she said.

Emphasising on the importance of resilience, the princess also expressed concern about what she termed a ‘laissez-faire attitude’ fostered by aid dependency.

“I have always believed in the culture of saving and as Emaswati we are not trained to save enough.

“ When money arrives, we are extremely excited yet we should learn to prepare for the dry seasons, like our ancestors did — we must go to the storehouse,” said the princess.

She referenced King Sobhuza’s historic foresight, praising his philosophy of preserving the country’s mineral wealth for times of greater need and warned against relying too heavily on allies such as Taiwan or donors whose support may not be guaranteed.

“Even for bigger projects, it is not fair to place pressure on external funders. It undermines our responsibility and we lose the spirit of ownership,” argued the princess.

The princess’s views echo a concern raised by the Russian embassy to Eswatini in an interview with this publication last month - which is that African nations, including Eswatini, may be vulnerable to the shifting whims of global politics unless they take concrete steps towards economic resilience.

In a press statement on Thursday, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, admitted that the full extent of the damage from the new tariffs remains uncertain.

He assured, however, that consultations are ongoing to ascertain a formal product impact list.
Business Eswatini also joined the chorus of concern, with acting CEO Musa Maseko confirming that local exporters are already feeling the pressure.

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