In the past five years, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has made significant strides in strengthening the country’s economy, accumulating over E387.6 million in tax revenue from agricultural enterprises under its projects. 

The tax revenue contributions from EWADE’s projects have steadily increased since the 2018/19 financial year, signaling the growing impact of its work on Eswatini’s economy. This upward trend not only highlights the success of EWADE’s initiatives but also demonstrates the effectiveness of the government’s multibillion-dollar investments in projects aimed at improving the lives of emaSwati, particularly those in rural areas facing poverty. 

According to EWADE’s current annual report (2022/23), the tax remitted by EWADE’s projects has seen consistent growth: in 2018/19, over E52.7 million was remitted; in 2019/20, it rose to E62.6 million; in 2020/21, it reached E91.2 million; in 2021/22, it increased to E83.2 million; and in 2022/23, it peaked at E97.7 million. These contributions come from enterprises established under the Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP), Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project Phase I (LUSIP I), and LUSIP II, which focus on sugarcane, banana, conventional vegetables, and livestock production. 

This surge in tax revenue is a clear indicator that EWADE’s contribution to Eswatini’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is on a positive trajectory. Over the past five years, the companies under EWADE have generated approximately E2.6 billion in revenue. Moreover, the impact of EWADE’s projects extends beyond economics, with around 155,000 emaSwati lifted from poverty. Through EWADE, thousands have been empowered to start income-generating agricultural enterprises, and they now have access to essential amenities like sanitary facilities and potable water. 

EWADE’s portfolio includes 11 projects, seven of which have been completed and four are ongoing. These projects have a combined net worth of E12.5 billion. Among the completed projects are the Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP), which benefited 28,714 people (4,102 households); LUSIP I, which advanced the lives of 20,479 people (3,300 families); and the Smallholder-Led Project (SMLP), which impacted 87,507 people (15,325 households). Other completed initiatives include the Lower Usuthu Land Management (LUSLM), High-Value Crops Horticulture Project (HVCHP), Innovative Beef Value Chain Development Schemes in Southern Africa Project (IBVCDSSAP), and the Water Harvesting Development Project (WHDP). Ongoing projects include LUSIP II, the Commercial Maize Project (CMP), and the Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP). 

In addition to its economic success, EWADE has placed a strong emphasis on social welfare by prioritizing employment opportunities for local communities within the project development areas (PDAs). Contractors working on EWADE projects are required to hire people from these areas, creating job opportunities and improving livelihoods. The number of people employed in these projects has steadily increased, with the highest employment figures recorded in the period under review. 

EWADE’S SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT TO DATE 

• Total Taxes Remitted: E387,659,228.93 

• Revenue Generated: E2.6 billion 

• People Impacted: 154,400 

• People Employed: 3,823 

• People with Sanitary Facilities: 71,070 

• People with Potable Water: 68,369 

EWADE’s achievements reflect not only its growing economic influence but also its crucial role in transforming the lives of thousands of emaSwati, particularly those in rural areas, by providing opportunities for sustainable development and access to vital services.