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By Lwazi Dlamini
The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) continues to cement its position as a catalyst for international investment, with Botswana-based African Agriculture expressing keen interest in Eswatini’s burgeoning agricultural sector.
Attracted by EWADE’s transformative water infrastructure projects, a three-member delegation of China-linked African Agriculture led by its Managing Director Miles Nan visited EWADE on Wednesday. The visit was facilitated by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA).
The delegation’s primary mission was to explore investment opportunities offered under EWADE’s landmark initiatives, including the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) Phases I and II, and the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP).
Highlighting African Agriculture’s vision, Nan revealed the company’s interest in establishing a tractor and implements assembly shop in Eswatini. This venture would aim to make farming equipment more accessible to local farmers, easing their financial and logistical challenges.
The company also expressed interest in developing horticulture projects under EWADE’s Project Development Areas (PDAs). Additionally, African Agriculture plans to explore cultivating a specialized type of rice, noting that Eswatini’s favourable soils and irrigation infrastructure present an ideal environment.
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Nan explained that previous attempts to grow the rice in Botswana were hindered by water scarcity.
“This rice has the potential to be a significant export product to markets in Southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique,” Nan said.
Another ambitious idea discussed was the establishment of an Agricultural Park. Nan described the park as a multi-functional hub for small-scale farmers, local market promotion, and community education.
Furthermore, the company is considering investments in the cultivation of medicinal crops for export to China, supported by their expertise in renewable energy, agricultural drones, and other innovative technologies.
During the visit, EWADE’s Commercial Director, Musa Masilela, outlined various investment opportunities under EWADE’s newly formed commercial wing. “We are prioritizing collaborations with foreign direct investors (FDIs) through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Our focus areas include eco-tourism, precision agriculture, renewable energy, and consultancy services,” Masilela said.
LUSIP II Project Manager, Gcina Ginindza, provided an overview of EWADE’s achievements and current projects, including the Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP), LUSIP I and II, and MNWAP.
He emphasized EWADE’s pivotal role in transforming thousands of Emaswati from subsistence farmers into thriving commercial farmers contributing to the economy.
EWADE’s efforts to attract international investment are further reflected in its participation at the African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII) held in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 18 to 20, 2024.
As Africa’s leading agricultural investment platform, the AAII provided EWADE with an invaluable opportunity to engage with stakeholders and foster collaborations critical to Eswatini’s agricultural ambitions.
RELATED: EWADE projects to create close to 4,000 jobs in 2024/25 financial year
The delegation toured the LUSIP I and II sites, where they observed developed sugarcane farms, banana plantations, and water conveyance systems. They were also taken to Mpakeni to view the construction of the MNWAP dam, which is currently 15 percent complete. Additionally, they inspected the 4,000 hectares of farmland slated for development under Maloma 1.
MNWAP Project Coordinator, Bafana Matsebula, expressed gratitude to the delegation for their interest. “We are excited to engage with investors who see the potential in our projects and are ready to collaborate for mutual growth,” he said.
African Agriculture’s visit underscores Eswatini’s growing reputation as a destination for agricultural investment. With EWADE’s track record of success and a strong push towards fostering public-private partnerships, the country is poised to attract transformative investments that will further drive economic development and enhance the livelihoods of its people.
