Mbabane – The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has formalised a second set of strategic partnerships with key national institutions to advance the Smallholder Agriculture Productivity Enhancement Project (SAPEMP). The agreements, signed with the National Maize Corporation, the Eswatini Environment Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, aim to improve productivity, market access, and climate resilience for smallholder farmers nationwide.
EWADE Chief Executive Officer Dr Samson Sithole said the MoUs mark “a decisive shift from aspirations to results-driven collaboration.” He added, “This landmark occasion moves our cooperation from good intentions to structured action. These partnerships are about coordination, accountability and impact, ensuring that our farmers see real and measurable benefits.”
Dr Sithole explained that the agreements are directly tied to SAPEMP, which was launched by Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka in March. “These MoUs are not signed in isolation. They are a practical expression of SAPEMP’s objectives and a clear signal that institutions are aligning their mandates, resources and expertise to deliver as one,” he said.
SAPEMP is designed to boost smallholder production, nutrition, and incomes while strengthening resilience to climate change. The project focuses on value-chain productivity, stronger market linkages, access to finance, and an enabling policy environment. It aligns with Eswatini’s National Development Strategy, the Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan, and Vision 2050, while advancing Sustainable Development Goals including poverty reduction, food security, gender equality, decent work, and climate action.
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