Mbabane – The future of wealth creation in Africa, and particularly in Eswatini, lies in agriculture. This was the message delivered by Eswatini National Agricultural Union (ESNAU) Chief Executive Officer Thammy Dlamini during the second GradConnect business seminar held at the Southern African Nazarene University (SANU).
Addressing university students, Dlamini urged young people to avoid boxing themselves to traditional careers only but they must also explore the vast economic opportunities within the agricultural sector. He stressed that agriculture is no longer limited to farming alone, but includes a wide value chain capable of creating billion-Emalangeni enterprises.
Dlamini revealed that government recently approved a farmer input subsidy worth E65 million, emphasising that such investments were designed to stimulate participation and innovation within the sector. He told the students that the agricultural economy offers multiple entry points, including supply, processing, technology, logistics and agribusiness services.
Using Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote as an example, Dlamini illustrated how individuals can build significant wealth in agriculture without being physically involved in farming. Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is a major producer of granulated urea fertiliser.
“You do not need to be in the field to be part of agriculture,” Dlamini said, encouraging students to broaden their ambitions and identify gaps in the agricultural value chain. He added that the continent’s growing population, rising food demand and expanding export markets make agriculture one of the most promising sectors for sustainable economic growth.
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