# Eswatini municipal and economic development challenges > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eswatini-municipal-and-economic-development-challenges > Updated: 2026-10-13T18:51:55.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Municipalities and economic development initiatives in Eswatini are facing various structural and administrative challenges. In Siteki, the Town Council reported that outstanding municipal rates rose to E29.78 million for the 2024/2025 financial year, noting that delayed payments from the government and private sectors are hindering essential services like road maintenance and waste collection. Simultaneously, the Mbabane Municipal Council has prioritized infrastructure rehabilitation and the advancement of a green economy. At the national level, youth entrepreneurs participating in the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) have identified land disputes and administrative barriers as primary obstacles to loan repayment, particularly within the agricultural sector. YERF Chief Executive Officer Mandla Nkambule has proposed engaging with traditional authorities to address land security and has advocated for a shift toward local manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: Eswatini youth entrepreneurs face land disputes and import challenges Eswatini's Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund faces challenges as land disputes threaten loan repayments and calls grow for increased local manufacturing to reduce import reliance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eswatini-youth-entrepreneurs-face-land-disputes-and-import-challenges ### 2026-09-25: Eswatini municipalities address service delivery and urban growth Eswatini municipalities face diverse challenges, with Siteki struggling from rising rate arrears while Mbabane focuses on infrastructure, sustainability, and economic development. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eswatini-municipalities-address-service-delivery-and-urban-growth --- Cite as: Eswatini municipal and economic development challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eswatini-municipal-and-economic-development-challenges