BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
EZULWINI- Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund (EADF) has disbursed more than E32 million in loans just eight months after its launch, accelerating the country’s efforts toward food sovereignty, job creation, and inclusive agricultural growth. The latest disbursement was celebrated during a loan signing ceremony held on July 31 at Sibane Hotel.
Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka said the milestone reflects a national shift. He described the ceremony as a proud moment for the Kingdom, calling the achievement “remarkable” and aligning it with His Majesty’s “Nkwe” vision. He noted how the Fund is helping citizens move from dependence to production.
The Minister reported that since the Fund’s official launch on 28 November 2024, the EADF has approved E9.8 million under Batch 1, and E21.2 million under Batch 2. The total amount disbursed so far stands at E31.1 million, backed by guarantees worth over E33.9 million. These figures, he said, prove the strength of demand and the potential of the agricultural sector when empowered through accessible finance.
Eswatini Bank Managing Director Nozizwe Mulela said the Fund is more than just finance, it represents national unity and shared responsibility. She said the Bank supports farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses across the value chain, with special focus on youth, women, and climate smart agriculture.
Mulela encouraged the recipients to treat their loans as seeds that must be nurtured with discipline, innovation, and vision. She reminded all beneficiaries that this support is a loan and must be repaid so others can also benefit.
Minister Tshawuka acknowledged that the rapid uptake of loans has raised concern about the long term sustainability of the Fund. He revealed that the Fund was capitalised with E45 million, but at the current rate, funds may soon be depleted. He called on local institutions and private sector partners to come on board and support the Fund. He also announced plans to engage global climate finance facilities to ensure long term backing for agricultural development.
In addition, the Minister called for a review of the cost structure attached to the loans. He pointed out that initiation, management, and disbursement fees are currently covered by the Fund, which is unsustainable over time. He asked Eswatini Bank and the EADF team to explore ways to address this.
Despite these challenges, the Minister expressed confidence in the future of the Fund and its beneficiaries. He said the vision is to create millionaires who will employ more emaSwati, increase national food production, and drive export growth. He emphasised that agriculture is at the heart of His Majesty’s vision, and that the EADF is playing a crucial role in bringing that vision to life.
Looking ahead, the Minister said the Ministry of Agriculture is working to broaden the Fund’s offerings to include grants, subsidies, and infrastructure support such as dams and feeder roads. He also revealed efforts to align EADF with other government programmes, including a new horticulture subsidy to be rolled out by NAMBoard.
The event ended with a strong call to action. Both the Minister and the Managing Director urged all beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously and build sustainable enterprises. They reminded attendees that public private partnerships remain essential to achieving a modern, inclusive, and climate resilient agricultural sector, in line with the national vision led by His Majesty’s Government.
