Mbabane- The government of Eswatini is looking to attract investors into seed production, fish farming and agro-processing as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on imported food and strengthen domestic agricultural production.
Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka presented four priority investment opportunities at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum during the World Food Forum, identifying areas where private capital could help address gaps in the country’s agricultural sector.
A key priority is the development of a domestic seed industry, with the government acknowledging that Eswatini remains heavily dependent on imported seeds.
The proposed investment opportunities include seed production, multiplication, distribution and research, as well as the development and preservation of indigenous seed varieties.
A stronger local seed industry would support farmers’ access to quality planting material while creating opportunities for businesses involved in seed development and distribution.
The government also wants to increase agricultural production to meet domestic food demand and generate surpluses for export, a goal that would require investment in production capacity and the businesses that support farming.
Presenting the opportunities, Tshawuka said the country wanted to strengthen its position as an agricultural producer rather than remain heavily reliant on food imports.
Aquaculture is another area the government wants investors to explore. Although Eswatini has five major dams, the minister said their potential for commercial fish production had not been fully exploited.
The opportunities extend beyond fish farming to include fish processing, feed production, cold-chain facilities and distribution networks.
Agro-processing completes the four priority investment cases. The government wants more agricultural commodities to be processed locally instead of leaving the country with limited value addition from its agricultural output.
Local processing could create opportunities for manufacturers to turn agricultural produce into finished or semi-finished products, while supporting employment and the development of related industries.
The investment drive is also being supported by the government’s pitch on Eswatini’s business environment. Tshawuka highlighted the provision for 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies and tax incentives of up to 20 years for qualifying businesses in designated special economic zones, subject to applicable conditions.
He further pointed to Eswatini’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area, which could offer investors access to markets beyond the domestic economy.
The minister also highlighted infrastructure development, including road improvements and water projects, as part of efforts to strengthen the environment for investment.
Among the projects mentioned was a proposed sixth major dam, which is envisioned to incorporate agro-processing activities and an eco-city.
Tshawuka invited investors, development partners and financial institutions to engage with the government on proposals that could be developed into viable projects.
The four investment cases place the focus on building a more connected agricultural economy, in which local seed production supports farming, increased output supplies processors, and value-added products create opportunities in domestic and export markets.
However, the presentation did not specify the investment amounts being sought for each priority area or provide project-level financial projections, leaving the scale of funding required to turn the opportunities into operational businesses unclear.
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