Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s agriculture sector received a major boost as the 2nd Annual Eswatini Agriculture Business and Investment Forum secured commitments exceeding E2 billion, signalling strong investor confidence in the country’s agri-food systems.
This was announced by the Minister of Agriculture Hon Mandla Tshawuka on September 17,2025 during a media briefing.
The two-day forum, held on August 13-14, 2025 under the theme “Mobilizing Investments in Agri-food Systems and Youth Empowerment for Food Sovereignty,” brought together over 200 stakeholders, including government leaders, development partners, private investors, farmers, and youth entrepreneurs.
Supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other partners, the event highlighted agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and food sovereignty.
Private and Development Partner Pledges
Among the major commitments were E400 million by Ngwane Group for expansion and jobs, E80 million from Nisela Farms for citrus and maize production, and E69.5 million from Eswatini Bank for green finance. Elangeni Chicks pledged E10.4 million to boost hatchery production and support orphanages, while Sky Harvest committed E4.5 million for innovative agriculture.
Development partners also stepped forward, with World Vision pledging E40 million for irrigation, beekeeping, and farmer training, Taiwan committing E35 million, and ACAT and Pelum jointly pledging more than E30 million for youth training, agroecology, and entrepreneurship. The FAO will mobilize over E1.18 billion from global climate funds.
Youth and Women at the Centre
The forum placed strong emphasis on empowering youth and women. Young entrepreneurs showcased agri-tech tools and farming models, while women-led groups called for greater access to digital platforms, markets, and extension services.
Government’s Commitment
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini stressed that food sovereignty is central to Eswatini’s development agenda, with agriculture holding potential to create jobs, boost exports, and transform livelihoods.
The Ministry of Agriculture pledged to follow through on the commitments by expanding the Eswatini Agriculture Development Fund (EADF), strengthening climate-smart agriculture, and supporting youth agribusinesses and women’s cooperatives.
“Let us build a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive agriculture sector that uplifts all Emaswati and leaves no one behind,” the Ministry said in closing.
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