By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – In a bold and progressive move, government is taking decisive steps to reduce youth unemployment by tapping into the transformative potential of agriculture.
Through the Ministry of Agriculture, a dynamic three-year strategy has been unveiled to provide young people with meaningful opportunities in the agricultural sector. This exciting development was announced by Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka on March 24, 2025, during the appointment of the new board of the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE).
Tshawuka highlighted that youth unemployment currently stands at 58 percent, emphasizing the urgency to provide sustainable economic opportunities for the country’s future leaders.
“Our youth are brimming with potential, and through agriculture, we aim to unlock that potential,” he said.
He called on EWADE to be at the forefront of this initiative, working closely with the Ministry to ensure effective implementation. The government has already engaged with the World Bank to secure financial support for this mission.
Additionally, Tshawuka announced a major agricultural support project targeting smallholder farmers, with a focus on producing high-quality crops for established markets. This initiative is backed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which has committed E851 million to Eswatini—E500 million of which is a grant, with the rest offered as a loan. Funds will be made available in phases, ensuring sustained and effective execution.
Government also plans to launch a separate E40 million project centered on food sovereignty, promoting the local production of key staples such as maize, beans, and milk.
“These are foods that every Liswati can produce and access. Once we achieve security in staple foods, we can diversify into other crops,” the Minister explained.
He concluded by tasking the new EWADE board with driving these projects forward, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering youth, strengthening food systems, and building a self-reliant Eswatini.
