Wednesday, October 15, 2025 by Mthobisi Buthelezi

 

Africa Chicks has once again cemented its position as a trailblazer in Eswatini’s poultry sector with the establishment of a breeder farm, a groundbreaking step toward national self-sufficiency and food security.

At the heart of this new development is the Cobb 500 broiler breed, supplied by Cobb Africa, one of the world’s most trusted names in poultry genetics. Renowned for their efficient growth rate, feed conversion and superior meat yield, the Cobb 500 chicks have become a favourite among poultry farmers across the region.

For Africa Chicks, this milestone represents far more than just expansion, it signifies a bold stride towards independence for the nation’s poultry industry. “The next stage for Africa Chicks was always breeder, to be able to produce hatching eggs for ourselves as a country,” they said. “This is about ensuring long-term self-sufficiency and security for Eswatini’s poultry farmers.”

The state-of-the-art breeder farm, already operational, though still under construction, is designed with world-class infrastructure and technology. It introduces modern poultry management systems, specialised equipment and biosecurity protocols that set new standards for efficiency and sustainability in local production.

Beyond its immediate impact on chick supply, the breeder farm plays a pivotal role in strengthening the entire poultry value chain. By producing hatching eggs locally, Africa Chicks says it will significantly reduce reliance on imported stock, cut foreign exchange costs and ensure consistent access to high-quality chicks for farmers across the country.

The project also opens doors to technology adoption, market diversification and community engagement, creating new opportunities for employment, knowledge sharing and agribusiness growth within Eswatini.

Africa Chicks’ long-term vision is clear: to position Eswatini as a self-reliant nation capable of meeting its poultry production needs locally. “Our ultimate goal,” the company emphasised, “is for Africa Chicks and Eswatini to become 100 per cent self-sustaining, not relying on any other country for raw materials.”