Mbabane- Ubombo Sugar is undertaking a E2.8 billion investment in expanding its sugar production capacity and developing a 40MW power plant, as the Eswatini-based company retains its position as the top-performing business in Associated British Foods’ (ABF) Sugar division for the second consecutive year.
Ubombo Sugar has retained its position as the top-performing sugar business in the Associated British Foods (ABF) Sugar division, winning the Business of the Year award for the second consecutive year as it undertakes a E2.8 billion investment programme in Eswatini.
The Big Bend-based company received the division’s highest honour for the 2025/26 financial year at the ABF Sugar annual Leadership Conference held from October 13 to 15, 2026. The award was presented by ABF Sugar Chief Executive Officer Paul Kenward.
The recognition comes as Ubombo Sugar invests E1.3 billion in expanding its sugar factory and a further E1.5 billion in a 40-megawatt (MW) electricity generation plant, scheduled for commissioning in June 2028.
The factory expansion is intended to increase milling capacity to accommodate additional sugarcane production from smallholder growers under the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) II scheme, while the power plant will add to the company’s electricity generation capacity.
In a press statement, Ubombo Sugar Managing Director Muzi Siyaya said retaining the award was particularly significant given the challenging operating environment and the demands of implementing the major capital projects while continuing to run the business.
“Winning this award for the second consecutive year is a tremendous honour, particularly in a year when we have had to navigate exceptionally challenging operating and market conditions, while simultaneously executing a major SZL 2.8 billion capital investment programme,” part of the statement reads.
He said the achievement reflected the commitment of employees and the company’s ability to deliver on its strategic priorities despite pressure on the business.
The sugar industry continues to face depressed international sugar prices, rising input costs and pressure on profit margins, according to the company.
Ubombo Sugar’s latest award was supported by strong performances in several other categories. The company was runner-up in Engagement and Advocacy Excellence and Safety Excellence, and placed third in Factory Performance, Agricultural Performance, and People and Performance.
The awards assess businesses across financial and operational performance, agricultural productivity, manufacturing efficiency, leadership, employee development, stakeholder engagement, environmental, social and governance matters, and strategy execution.
ABF Sugar operates across Eswatini, South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia, as well as the United Kingdom through British Sugar and Spain through Azucarera. Ubombo’s back-to-back win places it ahead of other businesses within the international division.
The company employs approximately 3,500 people at peak operations and is a significant player in Eswatini’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Siyaya said the recognition demonstrated that Eswatini-based businesses could compete successfully within a multinational group, adding that the achievement belonged to the employees whose work had contributed to the company’s performance.
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