Eswatini Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini on Friday launched a post-Covid-19 economic recovery plan that is expected to create about 40 000 jobs.

"This plan is structured to be a stimulus package that will push our economy into a much higher level of productivity. It also provides the fiscal space for government to invest in critical public service delivery as outlined in the National Development Plan," he said in a statement.

The plan is aimed at reviving the economy through high-impact, private-sector-led projects in tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, wholesale, manufacturing, energy and textile.

"Today (Friday) we are gathered here to chart a path of sustainable economic growth in the midst of a storm which no one ever predicted, but from where we have set up a launch pad to release a fast-moving train destined for one particular destination – that is wealth creation."

He said the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic called for innovative responses and solutions to save lives and livelihoods, and the economic recovery plan was a response to the looming economic contraction and negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy. 

"This plan aims to protect the economy from a downward spiral and set it in motion for sustained growth. For in every adversity lies an opportunity."

He said people had lost jobs, some businesses had shut down and for those who were still able to go to work, Covid-19 had brought a lot of uncertainty and job insecurity as it affected many traditional sectors of the economy. 

"We have been warned that Covid-19 might linger on a little longer than we initially anticipated. This plan therefore is structured to be a stimulus package that will push our economy into a much higher level of productivity, despite the storm."