– Senators and Members of Parliament join nationwide visit to assess impact of Government-funded agricultural enterprises
By Mbono Mdluli
EZULWINI – Prime Minister on Friday led a high-level Government delegation on a tour of agricultural projects supported through the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund (EADF), highlighting the growing impact of strategic agricultural investments on food production, employment creation and rural economic development.
The tour, held on June 12, 2026, began at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini before proceeding to project sites in Sicunusa, Njojane and Hlane. The visit formed part of Government’s ongoing efforts to monitor the implementation of development programmes and assess the effectiveness of investments made through the EADF.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were Acting Minister of Agriculture Hon. Bongani Nzima, Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, senators, Members of Parliament from both Houses and senior Government officials. The inclusion of legislators provided an opportunity for policymakers to witness first-hand the outcomes of Government-supported agricultural initiatives and engage directly with beneficiaries.
The EADF was established by Government in November 2024 as a catalytic financing mechanism designed to accelerate the implementation of the Eswatini National Agriculture Investment Plan (ENAIP). Since its establishment, the fund has become one of Government’s key instruments for supporting agricultural transformation and strengthening national food security.
Ministry of Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS) Sydney Simelane revealed that more than E42.7 million has already been disbursed through the fund towards strategic agricultural investments across the country. The investments cover a broad range of sectors, including grain production, livestock and poultry farming, horticulture, mechanisation and agricultural infrastructure development.
Government believes these investments are critical in increasing agricultural productivity, reducing poverty, creating employment opportunities and advancing Eswatini’s goal of achieving greater food sovereignty.
One of the major highlights of the tour was a visit to Agro-Acres at Sicunusa, an 80-hectare maize and bean farming enterprise operated by four young siblings from the Mkhaliphi family. The project received more than E2.3 million in EADF financing and has emerged as a shining example of youth participation in commercial agriculture.
The delegation heard how the siblings have successfully expanded their farming operations through a combination of family experience, hard work and financial support from Government. Officials described the project as evidence that young people can play a significant role in transforming the agricultural sector when they are provided with access to capital, training and opportunities.
Speaking during the visit, Government representatives praised the initiative for demonstrating how agriculture can become a viable business venture for young emaSwati while contributing to national food production.
At Njojane, the delegation toured a layer production enterprise owned by Mr Zwelithini Felix Nkentshane. The poultry operation supplies eggs to local markets and has the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 chicks at a time.
The project was cited as an example of how targeted financing can help small and medium-scale agricultural enterprises expand production and improve their contribution to the national economy.
The final stop was at the Imfihlo Yebesutfu Broiler Production Facility in Hlane, owned by former Member of Parliament Mr Mduduzi Magagula. The enterprise has a production capacity of up to 26,000 broiler chicks at any given time and has established itself as an important contributor to poultry production in the country.
During the tour, officials observed the infrastructure and operational systems that have enabled the business to expand its production capacity. The project was commended for creating employment opportunities and contributing to efforts aimed at reducing dependence on imported poultry products.
Government said the three projects collectively demonstrate the transformative impact of strategic agricultural financing on production, rural economic development and food security. Officials noted that the success stories emerging from EADF-supported projects illustrate how public investment can stimulate economic activity while improving livelihoods in rural communities.
The projects also align with Objective Four of the Nkwe Programme of Action, which seeks to advance food sovereignty and sustainable development by 2029 through increased agricultural productivity and investment.
Prime Minister Dlamini commended the management and staff of the EADF, members of the EADF Steering Committee, financial partners and other stakeholders whose efforts have contributed to the fund’s achievements.
Special tribute was also paid to farmers and entrepreneurs who continue to invest their time, skills and resources in agricultural production despite various challenges facing the sector.
Government noted that the resilience, determination and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by farmers across the country are transforming investment into measurable results, creating jobs, strengthening food security and helping build a more prosperous and self-reliant Eswatini.
As the tour concluded, officials reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting agricultural development initiatives that empower citizens, stimulate economic growth and ensure that the benefits of development reach communities throughout the country.
