Africa-Press – Eswatini. As Eswatini marks the 57th birthday of His Majesty King Mswati III, there is more to celebrate than just a royal milestone.
Across the country, green shoots of transformation are rising, thanks in large part to His Majesty’s vision for a self-reliant and food-secure nation.
At the centre of this agricultural renaissance is EWADE, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise.
Under the leadership of Dr Samson Sithole, EWADE has quietly become one of the country’s most impactful engines of development. From food security to job creation, its footprint is expanding, and fast.
One of EWADE’s flagship projects is Hamba Ubuye, a commercial maize initiative with a clear goal; boost national food supply.
EWADE CEO Samson Sithole
By the 2025–26 season, EWADE plans to cultivate 10,000 hectares and harvest 30,000 metric tonnes of maize. Beans are also joining the mix, reinforcing nutrition and resilience.
These efforts are already delivering results. The 2023–24 season produced more than 2,100 tonnes of maize. Under LUSIP II, an additional 138 hectares have been cultivated, producing nearly 200 tonnes of maize and 43 tonnes of beans.
But for Dr Sithole, this is about more than just crops. It is about jobs, thriving communities, and long-term stability.
Looking ahead, the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Scheme is shaping up to be a game-changer. This large-scale irrigation project will support 30,000 hectares of farmland, create over 100,000 jobs, and open the door to cotton and bioenergy production.
Alongside it, the Eco-City vision promises smart housing, schools, and businesses built around sustainable living.
Private investors are taking notice. Their contributions now triple government funding, reflecting confidence in EWADE’s inclusive model that brings in farmers at every level.
Youth unemployment is also in focus. In April 2025, the Youth Empowerment Project will launch, training 15,000 young people each year and creating 10,000 jobs annually.
Another initiative, SAPEMP, will support 17,000 smallholder farmers and generate 2,300 jobs; many for women and youth.
Key infrastructure is being developed, including the E2.6 billion Mpakeni Dam and a national conveyance system to ensure water security for farmers.
Eswatini’s agricultural future is looking bright. Under His Majesty’s guidance, EWADE is turning seeds into solutions, growing not just food, but opportunity, resilience, and pride in the land.
Source: Eswatini Daily News
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