|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Government of Eswatini has hailed the election of former Cabinet Minister, Mr. Moses Vilakati, as the Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) in the African Union Commission. This achievement follows a highly competitive election held at the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Mr. Vilakati emerged victorious, securing a landslide win.
In a statement, Alpheous Nxumalo, the Spokesperson of the Eswatini Government said the election represented an unprecedented milestone for the Kingdom of Eswatini, firmly positioning the country at the forefront of African leadership in key developmental sectors.
“Mr. Vilakati’s appointment is a testament to his extensive expertise, unwavering commitment, and remarkable leadership in agriculture, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism,” Nxumalo said.
Mr. Vilakati holds a distinguished academic record, including an MSc in Agriculture (International Development) from California Polytechnic State University, USA, and a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Swaziland (now Eswatini). His vast experience spans multiple leadership roles, including serving as Minister of Agriculture in 2013 and later as Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs from 2018 to 2023. His career also includes tenures as Project Director at the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), Agribusiness Development Manager at EWADE, and Project Director and Lecturer at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).
Nxumalo added that His Majesty’s Government has full confidence that Mr. Vilakati will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in his new role at the African Union.
“His vision aligns with Africa’s agenda for a transformative. innovative, and diversified agricultural sector that ensures food security and nutrition under sustainable environmental and climate conditions.
“The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini extends its heartfelt appreciation to the 36 African Nations that saw Mr Vilakati worthy of this role. Congratulations to Mr. Vilakati on this prestigious appointment. His success is a national triumph, and the people of Eswatini stand firmly behind him as he embarks on this remarkable journey of service to Africa,” Nxumalo said.
In a telephone interview with Spiked Online Media, Mr. Vilakati promised to serve in his new position with outstanding leadership ability.
“During my tenure as Minister of Agriculture in Eswatini, I demonstrated strong leadership by steering the country through one of the worst droughts in decades. I also ensured the National Maize Corporation supplied maize adequately and introduced subsidies for farmers, which helped alleviate poverty.
“Such experience and expertise are valuable assets in driving agricultural growth, sustainability, and development at the Africa Union level and I hope to collaborate with all stakeholders in achieving food and nutrition security on the African continent,” Vilakati said.
Other commissioners elected yesterday include Lerato D. Mataboge from South Africa who was elected Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.
Amb. Bankole Adeoye from Nigeria was elected as Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. On the other hand Amb. Amma A. Twum-Amoah from Ghana was elected as the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission.
