The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has firmly reiterated its commitment to supporting the nation’s developmental agenda as outlined in His Majesty King Mswati III’s address during the opening of Parliament. Dr. Samson Sithole, EWADE’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the organization’s determination to contribute to the realisation of the national transformation agenda by aligning its strategic initiatives with the priorities emphasized by His Majesty. 

Driving Food Sovereinty 

Central to His Majesty’s address was the urgent call to boost food security and reduce Eswatini’s reliance on imported food. Dr. Sithole emphasized that EWADE’s core agricultural programs are fully aligned with this vision, particularly through the Commercial Maize Project – Hamba Ubuye, which has made significant strides in ensuring food security for the nation. EWADE plans to expand maize cultivation to 10,000 hectares by the 2025/26 farming season, with a target of producing 30,000 metric tonnes. Additionally, the organization is incorporating bean production to further strengthen the country’s nutritional security. 

Dr. Sithole highlighted that by the close of the 2023/24 farming season, the Hamba Ubuye project had contributed over 2,162 tonnes of maize, and efforts to support crop diversification through the LUSIP II initiative have already yielded significant results, with 138 hectares of maize and beans cultivated, producing nearly 200 tonnes of maize and 43 tonnes of beans. 

Youth Empowerment and Job Creation 

Addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment, Dr. Sithole underscored EWADE’s expanded initiatives aimed at creating jobs and empowering young people in the agricultural sector. In line with His Majesty’s vision, the Youth Empowerment Project, launching in April 2025, will invest E1.073 billion to provide hands-on training for 15,000 youth annually in commercial integrated agriculture. This initiative is expected to create 10,000 jobs each year and will target out-of-school youth and unemployed graduates aged 18-35. 

Additionally, the Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP), set to launch in the same year, will empower 17,000 smallholder farmers with critical tools, resources, and market access. SAPEMP aims to create approximately 2,300 jobs, with a strong focus on youth and women. 

Infrastructure and Water Security 

In response to the call for improved rural infrastructure and water security, EWADE has prioritized key infrastructure projects that will underpin Eswatini’s agricultural sector. Dr. Sithole pointed to the construction of the Mpakeni Dam and the Main Conveyance System as vital projects, ensuring reliable water supply for irrigation across the country. The Mpakeni Dam, a strategic E2.6 billion investment, is set to increase irrigation capacity, while the Main Conveyance System will facilitate water distribution to farming areas, further enabling agricultural productivity. 

Commitment to National Transformation 

As Eswatini accelerates its agricultural transformation, Dr. Sithole reaffirmed that EWADE is steadfast in its support of His Majesty’s vision for a prosperous, self-sufficient nation. Through its strategic agricultural, water management, and infrastructure initiatives, EWADE remains committed to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and improving food security. 

“EWADE is fully aligned with His Majesty’s vision, and we are dedicated to contributing to a stronger, food-secure, and economically resilient Eswatini,” concluded Dr. Sithole.