Mbabane – The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has posted one of its strongest financial performances to date, recording a substantial rise in revenue for the 2024/25 financial year. The surge was fuelled by expanded agricultural production, higher yields and improved commercial activity across its major projects.
According to the organisation’s latest annual report, sugarcane revenue increased by E194.38 million, pushing total sugarcane earnings to E999.157 million. The boost followed the expansion of irrigated land under KDDP, LUSIP I and LUSIP II, which produced an additional 211,462 tons of cane and raised total output to 1.1 million tons. A better price per ton strengthened the financial performance further.
EWADE also reported major progress in its commercial agriculture operations. Agribusiness revenue grew by 165%, rising from E9.34 million to E24.275 million. The report attributes the growth to expanded production areas under LUSIP II, especially in banana farming, along with increased activity across various value chains.
Fiscal contributions rose as well, with remitted taxes up by E154.665 million, reflecting heightened production and income across EWADE’s portfolio. Procurement spending reached E310.073 million during the year, a sign of continued investment in development projects and operations.
Community-based programmes also recorded higher activity. Under the Hamba Ubuye maize programme, disbursements nearly doubled from E6.74 million to E14.01 million as farmer participation grew from 110 to 207. Although these funds are not counted as revenue, the rise in demand points to a strengthening agricultural base in rural areas.
EWADE’s move toward stronger commercial operations contributed to its positive financial position. The commercial wing completed projects valued at E638.4 million, which the organisation says will help reduce long-term reliance on government support and widen its income sources.
The leadership noted that the financial progress places EWADE in a better position to support large national projects, including SAPEMP, MNWAP and EYEOP, while further advancing agricultural development, food production and rural economic growth.
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