In a strategic effort to bolster public-private partnerships (PPPs) and attract transformative investments to Eswatini’s agricultural sector, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) participated in the African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII) held in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 18 to 20, 2024. 

The AAII, Africa’s premier agricultural investment platform, provided EWADE with a unique opportunity to engage key stakeholders and secure collaborations crucial for advancing the nation’s agricultural ambitions.  

 Strategic goals 

EWADE’s delegation, led by Commercial Director Musa Masilela and Chief Financial Officer Patrick Nyamane, approached the Indaba with a clear objective: to align the enterprise’s developmental initiatives with the Government of Eswatini’s strategic roadmap. This roadmap emphasizes PPPs as a means to reduce the financial burden on the state while accelerating sustainable economic growth. 

On the sidelines of the event, Corporate Communications Manager Nokwazi Hlophe spoke about the significance of the platform, emphasizing its role in promoting PPPs as a vital driver for Eswatini’s agricultural sector. Hlophe described the Indaba as a valuable venue for showcasing the potential of innovative financing solutions and partnerships in alleviating the financial demands of major agricultural projects. 

She highlighted the capacity of PPPs to attract substantial private investments to transformative projects such as the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project Phase II (LUSIP II) and the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP). According to Hlophe, these collaborations not only enhance EWADE’s ability to execute critical initiatives but also ensure their sustainability through shared expertise and resources. 

Hlophe further noted that EWADE’s participation reaffirmed the importance of aligning its strategies with Eswatini’s broader economic vision. By focusing on fostering rural livelihoods, driving agricultural innovation, and positioning Eswatini as a leader in sustainable agricultural development, the enterprise continues to make strides toward long-term growth. 

Looking ahead, Hlophe expressed confidence in the partnerships and insights gained during the Indaba. These, she suggested, would be instrumental in unlocking Eswatini’s agricultural potential while reducing fiscal pressures on the state. 

Policy reforms 

EWADE’s engagement at the Indaba extended beyond investment opportunities, delving into critical policy advocacy. Commercial Director Musa Masilela emphasized the event’s role as a platform for addressing key challenges in agricultural financing, project implementation, and sustainability. 

Masilela highlighted how the Indaba facilitated targeted discussions with global policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to explore frameworks that enable PPPs. He noted that these engagements offered a chance for Eswatini to connect with regional and international counterparts, sharing best practices in PPP facilitation and fostering collaborative policy recommendations. 

By emphasizing harmonized regulations and cross-border investment frameworks tailored to agriculture, the discussions at the Indaba provided actionable strategies for overcoming barriers to development. 

Seizing opportunities  

EWADE’s delegation utilized the Indaba to conduct high-level meetings with potential partners, focusing on resource mobilization and relationship building. Masilela described these discussions as robust, with a specific emphasis on securing resources for LUSIP II and MNWAP. 

“These projects have the potential to revolutionize Eswatini’s agricultural sector and uplift communities across the country,” he stated. He underscored the transformative impact of these initiatives, which aim to enhance food security and provide sustainable livelihoods for rural populations. 

Masilela also expressed optimism about the partnerships formed at the Indaba, describing them as pivotal for advancing EWADE’s development agenda and supporting economic growth. 

Vision for the future 

Reflecting on the outcomes of the Indaba, Masilela spoke of the significant opportunities it presented. He noted that the knowledge and connections gained during the event would serve as catalysts for impactful projects like LUSIP II and MNWAP. 

According to Masilela, the Indaba reinforced EWADE’s role as a leader in agricultural transformation, particularly through its focus on fostering collaboration and advocating for enabling policy reforms. By championing PPPs, EWADE is positioning Eswatini to attract investments that drive long-term economic prosperity. 

With renewed momentum, Masilela projected a bright future for EWADE and the nation at large. He described the enterprise’s efforts as integral to achieving Eswatini’s vision of shared prosperity, sustainable growth, and agricultural excellence. 

EWADE’s participation in the African Agri Investment Indaba underscored its commitment to unlocking Eswatini’s agricultural potential through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. By advancing PPPs and advocating for progressive policies, EWADE continues to lay the foundation for a resilient agricultural sector and a prosperous future for Eswatini.