Siphofaneni – The Commercial Wing of the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise has reported the delivery and supervision of six major projects worth E638.4 million during the 2024/2025 financial year.
The projects fall under EWADE’s 2022 to 2027 Corporate Strategy, which aims to strengthen the enterprise through viable agricultural ventures.
The Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project forms the largest share of the portfolio at E486 million. Backed by the World Bank, the programme is currently at concept and design stage and is expected to benefit about 30 000 young people through agricultural and technical income generating opportunities.
The FAO GEF 8 Food Systems Project, valued at E76 million, is another key initiative completed during the reporting period and is scheduled for official launch in September 2025.
Water and infrastructure services for LUSIP contributed E52 million to the total. EWADE has been confirmed as the service provider responsible for managing LUSIP infrastructure under a formal agreement with government. The Commercial Maize Project known as Hamba Ubuye accounted for E14.3 million and supported 207 farmers, almost doubling participation from the previous season.
The Earth Dams Development Project added E17 million and involves the construction of nine dams. The first two dams at Mangcongco and Sidvokodvo received initial funding from the Republic of China (Taiwan). A further E400 000 was secured through the MNWAP GEF 8 concept, which focuses on zoning around the Mpakeni Dam to guide development near the reservoir.
As part of its commercial transformation, EWADE has also expanded consultancy services to outside clients. Five consultancy assignments were completed during the year, including irrigation designs for World Vision and Tisuka TakaNgwane, and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Nondvo Dam.
Looking ahead to the 2025 to 2026 financial year, the Commercial Wing plans to broaden its revenue streams through table bean production at Paradise Farm and the introduction of spring planted potatoes. Work is also progressing on a Power Purchase Agreement with the Eswatini Electricity Company for the Bana Grass Biogas Project, with land already allocated by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The organisation’s annual report notes ongoing preparations to transition the Commercial Wing into a standalone profit-driven subsidiary, with returns expected to strengthen as more projects advance.
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