BIG BEND - The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has reported a substantial rise in revenue, generated by sugar cane farmers under its development projects.
The revenue reached E999.157 million in the 2024/25 financial year, marking a substantial increase from the E814.117 million recorded in the previous year - reflecting approximately over 23 per cent growth.
The figures were presented by EWADE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Samson Sithole during an Editors Forum breakfast meeting held at Tree Tops Resort yesterday, where the parastatal unpacked key achievements, economic contributions and ongoing project developments.
Dr Sithole said the improved revenue performance was largely driven by expanded sugar cane production under the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) Phase II and other community-based agricultural programmes implemented across the country.
“Our impact continues to be farmer-centred. The near E1 billion revenue earned this year demonstrates that rural economies are moving, households are improving incomes, and communities are participating meaningfully in the agricultural value chain,” he stated.
Alongside farmer revenue, remitted taxes also increased sharply, rising by E154.665 million to reach E251.045 million. Dr Sithole emphasised that this contribution was direct evidence that smallholder farmers are strengthening the country’s fiscal base.
*…
… over 5 000 jobs created
BIG BEND - The CEO highlighted that 5 669 jobs were created across all EWADE-led projects, both direct and indirect.
In addition, E71.04 million worth of procurement opportunities benefited micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and E232 million supported larger local enterprises.
Graduate employment programmes placed 50 young technicians and 20 young professionals across various projects and operations.
The Smallholder Agricultural Productivity and Marketing Enhancement Programme (SAPEMP), valued at over E851 million, is currently in community mobilisation and anchor enterprise recruitment stage.
The CEO reported that the Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP), valued at E486 million, has been cleared in Parliament and awaiting Royal Assent before implementation begins.
LUSIP II expansion now has over 3 000 hectares under irrigation with on-farm development ongoing.
Dr Sithole said EWADE remains committed to partnering with government, private sector players and the media to ensure transparency and shared accountability.
“Agricultural transformation is not just an economic agenda - it is a social obligation. We are moving households from subsistence to commercial viability. That is our mandate and that work continues,” he affirmed.
EWADE also provided an update on the Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma Augmentation Programme (MNWAP), describing it as a major driver of water security, food system stability, agricultural value addition and rural transformation.
Dr Sithole explained that MNWAP is expanding irrigation capacity in the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions, ensuring that more communities transition from rain-fed subsistence to commercial agricultural production.
“MNWAP is central to unlocking the country’s agricultural potential by making water available where it is needed most. Water security is the foundation of food security, and food security is the foundation of sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
*Full article available in our publication
