Mbabane – The National Agricultural Marketing Board (Namboard) has introduced an Export Farmer Rebate Programme aimed at ensuring local farmers benefit more directly from international trade. The initiative was launched on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
Through the scheme, Namboard will purchase produce from farmers at a guaranteed minimum price. When international sales surpass that threshold, 70 percent of the additional profit will be paid to farmers while 30 percent will be retained by Namboard. Officials said the model is designed to reward farmers fairly, strengthen their participation in high-value markets and raise Eswatini’s competitiveness abroad.
With baby vegetable exports already generating more than E45 million annually, the rebate is expected to expand opportunities for growers to boost profitability and diversify their markets.
The launch was followed by discussions on contract farming involving representatives from farmer associations, retailers including Pick n Pay Eswatini, Eswatini Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture. Stakeholders explored ways of building fair and sustainable agreements that align production with actual market demand.
According to Namboard, contract farming improves trust between farmers and buyers, raises quality standards, secures fair pricing and guarantees consistent supply to both local and export markets. Farmers who attended were encouraged to approach agriculture as a business venture, positioning themselves as agripreneurs driving national growth.
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