Africa-Press – Eswatini. In the sun-drenched Lubombo region, hope and determination are taking root, literally and figuratively, thanks to the dynamic partnership between Eswatini Bank and the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) II.
During a special board tour last week, Agribusiness Manager Mazibuse Khumalo proudly shared inspiring details of this agricultural revolution, disclosing the bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainable farming and community transformation.
With Eswatini Bank funding 30% and the government investing 70%, the LUSIP II initiative is nurturing five major agricultural projects. From Vulematfuba Limited to Gugulethu Farmers, these enterprises are already cultivating more than 845 hectares of land, generating a collective turnover of over E37 million and creating 390 employment opportunities.
“We are not just financing farms, we are growing livelihoods,” Khumalo emphasized.
The impressive figures shared by Khumalo highlight how local farmers are now harvesting new possibilities. Vulematfuba Limited, for instance, boasts 237 hectares under production, employing 107 people and achieving a yearly turnover of E17.27 million. Similarly, Malabane Limited is turning 100.5 hectares into a flourishing hub for sugarcane and bananas.
Beyond the numbers, these initiatives are fostering a sense of pride and ownership among the farmers. Thanks to tailored credit guarantee programs like the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund (EADF) and the Centre for Finance Inclusion (CFI), both start-up and existing businesses now have access to loans with competitive interest rates and supportive structures.
“We are investing not just in agriculture, but in the dreams of every farmer we support,” Khumalo added. He also revealed the bank’s ongoing work towards Green Climate Fund accreditation, signaling a future where climate resilience is built into every farming venture. Solar energy systems for LUSIP II farmers are also in the pipeline, a testament to the bank’s commitment to sustainability.
Challenges remain, including rising input costs and weather uncertainties, but Eswatini Bank is tackling them head-on. With climate-smart practices and transparent support for farmers navigating these issues, the bank is redefining what it means to be a reliable partner in development.
As Khumalo concluded, “These projects are proof that when we combine vision with action, the results speak for themselves. Our E66.9 million investment is more than just numbers, it’s a promise to the nation, to the farmers, and to the future of Eswatini’s agricultural sector.”
Indeed, as the sun sets over the vibrant fields of Lubombo, Eswatini Bank’s efforts are planting seeds of progress that will blossom for generations to come.
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