Eswatini reaps the rewards of injecting 42.7 million lilangeni into the agricultural sector
Youth projects are driving the shift towards food self-sufficiency.
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Russell Miso DlaminiSignificant progress has been made in implementing agricultural projects funded through the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund (EADF), which was launched in November 2024 as a stimulus financing mechanism to accelerate the National Agricultural Investment Plan (ENAIP).
During a field tour that included 3 agricultural projects, Dlamini explained that the fund had succeeded in a short period in injecting more than 42.7 million lilangeni into strategic investments covering grain production, livestock and horticultural value chains, as well as supporting agricultural mechanization and infrastructure development, which contributes to raising productivity, reducing poverty rates, creating job opportunities and enhancing self-sufficiency.
3 projects reflect the direct impact of investment
The visit included a corn production project in the Secunosa region, a laying hen production project in Ngugan, as well as a poultry fattening project in Hlan, where these models reflected the direct impact of agricultural finance in supporting the rural economy.
The visit included viewing successful models, such as the “Agro-Akers” project, which is run by 4 brothers from the Makhalif family, on an area of 80 hectares, with support exceeding 2.3 million lilangeni, reflecting the great potential for youth participation in the agricultural sector when appropriate funding and support are available.
In Ngugan, the Zoilitheni Felix Nkenchan egg production project with a capacity of up to 1,000 chicks per cycle stood out, while the tour concluded with a visit to the “Emfehlo Yebesutfo” facility in Hlan, owned by Mududozie Majagola, with a production capacity of 26,000 broiler chicks.
Eswatini is working towards achieving food sovereignty.
The Prime Minister stressed that the projects embody the transformative impact of agricultural investment in boosting production, creating jobs and driving economic development, noting their alignment with the fourth goal of the government’s work program, which focuses on achieving food sovereignty and sustainable development by 2029.
The tour was attended by a number of senior officials, including Acting Minister of Agriculture Bongani Nzima and Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, along with members of parliament, who were briefed on the results of government interventions in support of farmers.
Dlamini praised the efforts of those in charge of the fund and its partners, stressing that farmers are the cornerstone in turning investments into tangible results, and calling for continued joint work to build a sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector that brings prosperity to the people of Eswatini.
