E851M SAPEMP: EWADE’s bold step towards boosting Market-Driven Agriculture
November 27, 2024
EWADE’s excellence turns it to international knowledge hub.
November 27, 2024Over the past five years, EWADE’s pioneering agricultural projects have not only transformed rural communities but have also made a powerful economic impact, contributing more than E387.6 million in tax revenue to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Driven by the vision of enhancing lives through sustainable agriculture, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has channeled its resources into successful projects that now stand as pillars of growth and prosperity for the nation. The steady increase in tax contributions from companies under EWADE’s initiatives signals that the organization is becoming one of the country’s strongest public enterprises.
Rising Tax Revenue: A Reflection of EWADE’s Growing Impact
According to EWADE’s latest annual report, the organization’s economic footprint has expanded significantly. Since the 2018/19 fiscal year, EWADE-led enterprises have seen their tax contributions rise from E52.7 million to a high of E97.7 million in the 2022/23 fiscal year.
These enterprises, developed through the Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP), Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project Phase I (LUSIP I), and LUSIP II, cover a wide range of agricultural activities including sugarcane, banana, vegetable, and livestock production.
This upward trend not only reflects the financial success of EWADE’s projects but also underscores the government’s effective investments in bolstering rural livelihoods. By generating E2.6 billion in revenue over five years, EWADE has fueled economic activity, particularly in underdeveloped regions, creating opportunities for thousands.
Empowering 154,000 EmaSwati Out of Poverty
With a commitment to socioeconomic development, EWADE has lifted over 155,000 emaSwati out of poverty, many of whom now enjoy amenities they previously lacked, such as sanitary facilities and clean water. In rural areas where infrastructure and resources have historically been scarce, EWADE’s projects have improved access to essential services, empowering communities and transforming lives.
Beyond economic contributions, EWADE’s projects have made a lasting impact on the quality of life for many residents. As of 2022/23, over 71,000 people have gained access to sanitary facilities, and nearly 68,400 now have access to potable water, furthering EWADE’s goal of uplifting communities through essential services.
Jobs and Socioeconomic Growth
EWADE’s focus on local empowerment extends to job creation within the project development areas (PDAs). Contractors working with EWADE prioritize local employment, providing meaningful job opportunities in agriculture, farm management, and on-site labor roles. Over the past five years, employment under EWADE projects has been on a steady incline, with the number of people hired reaching a new high in 2022/23.
A Legacy of Transformative Projects
Since its inception, EWADE has undertaken 11 projects, with seven completed and four currently ongoing. The completed projects—including KDDP, LUSIP I, and the Smallholder Market-led Project (SMLP)—have collectively impacted 154,400 emaSwati, providing livelihoods for 3,823 people through sustainable agricultural initiatives. The current projects, including LUSIP II, the Commercial Maize Project (CMP), and the Mkhondvo – Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP), continue to fuel EWADE’s mission, ensuring that Eswatini’s rural communities benefit from innovative agricultural solutions.
Tax Revenue Contributions Over the Past Five Years
| Financial Year | Tax Remitted (E) |
| 2018/19 | 52,705,675.45 |
| 2019/20 | 62,670,868.31 |
| 2020/21 | 91,292,955.24 |
| 2021/22 | 83,230,857.68 |
| 2022/23 | 97,758,871.25 |
EWADE’s Socioeconomic Impact at a Glance
- Total Taxes Remitted: E387.6 million
- Revenue Generated: E2.6 billion
- People Uplifted from Poverty: 154,400
- Jobs Created: 3,823
- Sanitary Facilities Access: 71,070
- Potable Water Access: 68,369
Through these projects, EWADE has proven that agricultural development is not only about farming—it’s about fostering resilience, building economic independence, and creating lasting change in the lives of the emaSwati. The organization’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of public investment and its enduring impact on the nation’s prosperity.
