Is Eswatini’s planned new airline a good idea?
It's hoped a national airline will boost tourism - but will it prove a financial burden?
Africa Daily · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
Eswatini is a small country of just over a million people which is facing big problems.
Last year dozens of people died after a crackdown on pro-democracy protests– and in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic led to the economy shrinking. According to World Bank estimates, nearly 40% of its population lives on less than two dollars a day.
Now the government is planning the launch of a national airline – its second such venture after its previous airline folded.
So will this help boost trade and tourism – or just saddle the country with more debt?
Mpho Lakaje explores the issue for this week’s #AfricaDaily.
Presenter: Mpho Lakaje @mpholakaje
Guests: Xavier Masule, commercial director at Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation. Sanele Sibiya, University of Eswatini.