By: Noxolo Dlamini

The National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) has significantly reduced its payment cycle for farmers, now ensuring payments are made within 14 days—down from a previous timeline that extended beyond six months.

NAMBoard Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bhekizwe Maziya, in an in-depth interview with Agribusiness Media, emphasized that transforming public perception of the organization has been a key priority since he assumed office about 3 years ago. One of the most pressing issues affecting NAMBoard’s reputation was delayed payments to farmers.

“When I was appointed, the former Minister of Agriculture, now Speaker, gave me a clear mandate to change the public perception of NAMBoard,” Maziya stated.

The overhaul of the payment system reflects a firm commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring they receive timely, fair compensation for their hard work. “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy. It was long overdue to expedite their payments. Sometimes, achieving this required sleepless nights, but it had to be done,” Maziya remarked. “Reducing the payment period from six months to just 14 days not only improves their cash flow but also enables them to reinvest in their operations, thereby driving further growth in the sector.”

Farmers have expressed increased satisfaction and financial stability as they can now access funds more quickly to purchase essential inputs, invest in technology, and expand their businesses. The accelerated payment cycle is also expected to attract more farmers to join the network, further strengthening local production and contributing to national food security.

Maziya highlighted that this success is the result of collaborative efforts between NAMBoard, financial institutions, and government agencies, all working together to modernize agricultural transactions. “By leveraging technology and fostering strategic partnerships, we have created a more responsive and efficient system,” he explained.

Across Eswatini, farmers are welcoming the change with optimism, seeing the revised payment timeline as a catalyst for increased productivity and a better quality of life. As NAMBoard continues to innovate and adapt, its commitment to empowering the agricultural community remains steadfast, with further enhancements expected to drive the industry forward.

This transformative initiative marks a significant victory for the hardworking farmers of Eswatini, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and support in the agricultural sector—a true game-changer for the nation’s economy.