The country’s population is projected to reach 1 232 154 by the end of the year, representing a steady climb of over 125 000 people in just under a decade.
This growth comes as the ministry of economic planning and development finalises new national policies aimed at integrating demographic shifts into the country’s long-term economic strategy.
According to the latest data presented to the portfolio committee, the national population has risen from 1 106 451 in 2017 to its current projected high.
The increase of 125 703 residents over nine years reflects a consistent upward trend that is now being met with a new ‘8th Country Programme 2026–2030’, which was launched in December 2025 to address global commitments on population and development.
The growing population presents both opportunities and challenges for the country’s economy.
To manage this expansion, the national population unit has concluded the formulation of a new national population policy and implementation plan. The documents are intended to ensure that population issues are integrated into development planning at both national and regional levels.
From an economic perspective, government is focusing on infrastructure and service delivery to match the growing numbers.
Recent achievements include the completion of 324 capital projects, ranging from education structures to water supply schemes.
Food security remains a critical pillar of this demographic shift.
The ministry reported securing a grant of JPY 200 million (approximately E20.8 million) from the government of Japan specifically for food assistance under the home-grown school feeding programme.
Additionally, the country has seen significant progress in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 (water, sanitation and hygiene), which is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of the expanding workforce.
As the country prepares for the 2027 Population and Housing Census, current mapping and listing activities are already underway to ensure future economic planning remains evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the 1.23 million Emaswati.
