Mbabane – The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Eswatini Agriculture Development Fund (EADF), has welcomed a new group of beneficiaries under its agribusiness financing and support programme. The orientation took place yesterday, Wednesday, 12 November 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural development and empower local farmers across the country.
The EADF’s initiative aims to help Emaswati expand and commercialise their agricultural ventures by providing both financial and technical assistance. The latest intake follows an earlier batch of beneficiaries supported this year, reflecting the Fund’s continued drive to stimulate productivity in Eswatini’s farming sector.
During the orientation, beneficiaries were taken through a practical training session focused on business planning, financial management and modern farming techniques. The session equipped them with knowledge to ensure their enterprises become sustainable and competitive.
The Fund offers various loan packages depending on the type and scale of farming. Existing farmers can access seasonal loans ranging from E5,000 to E1 million, and medium-term loans between E10,000 and E5 million. Start-up farmers are eligible for seasonal loans between E5,000 and E500,000, and medium-term loans up to E3 million.
According to the Ministry, the EADF’s purpose is to transform the agricultural sector by promoting investment in critical areas such as irrigation systems, farm infrastructure, fencing, equipment, production inputs and logistics. It supports key commodities including maize, beans, potatoes, dairy, poultry, and macadamia, among others.
To qualify, applicants must be Eswatini citizens aged 18 or older, present a sound business plan, and have legal rights to use the land they operate on. Companies and cooperatives are also encouraged to apply, provided they are fully registered in Eswatini and owned by local citizens.
The EADF continues to align its efforts with the Eswatini National Agricultural Investment Plan by ensuring financial inclusion and growth opportunities for farmers across all regions. It operates in collaboration with Eswatini Bank and relevant agricultural specialists to ensure funds are disbursed responsibly and projects deliver tangible results.
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