By: Sibusisiwe Ndzimandze
EZULWINI – Sixteen farmers and agripreneurs from across Eswatini have received E26 million in funding under the third disbursement of the Eswatini Agriculture Development Fund (EADF), during a signing and training workshop held at Sibane Sami Hotel in Ezulwini.
The beneficiaries which include poultry producers, piggery operators, horticulturalists, and agribusiness leaders were officially awarded loan approvals and trained in financial literacy, loan management, and climate-smart agriculture. This brings total EADF disbursements to over E32 million within just eight months of the Fund’s launch in November 2024.
List of today’s beneficiaries includes:
Andreas Myeni, Professor Nxumalo, Duncan Dlamini, Fanaleni Dludlu, Tibuyile Nhlengetfwa, Sandile Motsa, Mzwandile Sibandze, Sijabu Mavimbela, Wandile Mahlutsa, Bongani Dlamini, Magagula Mduduzi, Bhutana Dlamini, Richard Dlamini, and Khanyakwezwe Mhlanga.
Bridging the Finance Gap for Farmers
The Eswatini Agriculture Development Fund was launched on 28 November 2024 by the Ministry of Agriculture with E53 million in government capital to address one of the most pressing challenges facing local farmers: access to affordable, responsive finance.
The Fund specifically targets smallholder and emerging farmers who have viable agribusiness proposals but lack access to traditional funding. By partnering with Eswatini Bank as the implementing institution, EADF blends public policy with banking efficiency.
“Today we are not just disbursing loans; we are equipping farmers with the tools to thrive,” said Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka. “This is a strategic tool to deliver on our national goals of food sovereignty, rural wealth creation, and decentralised development.”
Empowering Farmers with Finance and Knowledge
Eswatini Bank Managing Director, Dr. Nozizwe Mulelwa, reinforced the bank’s commitment to inclusive agricultural financing.
“These funds are more than numbers, they are transformative,” she said. “We are particularly focused on supporting youth, women, and innovations that promote climate resilience.”
To date, loan approvals under EADF stand at E31.1 million, with E33.9 million in total guarantees, enabling the bank to scale financing to under-served farming communities.
A Voice from the Ground
Among today’s beneficiaries was Duncan Dlamini, founder of DJD Pork, who shared how previous EADF financing enabled his farm to grow from a small piggery into a thriving enterprise employing over 35 people.
“We are thankful, but we ask that loan approvals be processed faster,” said Dlamini. “Delayed disbursements create gaps in our operations when quotations expire or exchange rates shift.”
Dlamini’s business recently commissioned a 486-weaner capacity unit worth E2.2 million, and contributes over E1.3 million in VAT annually, a clear example of how timely finance can drive growth and tax revenue.
The Road Ahead: From Loans to Legacy
The Minister reminded all recipients that these are loans, not grants, and that responsible repayment is crucial to keep the Fund sustainable.
“Our dream is to produce a new generation of successful, bankable farmers who will create jobs, export products, and elevate our economy,” Tshawuka said. “Let’s make EADF a tool of lasting transformation.”
As the Fund continues to expand, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to introduce grants, subsidies, and infrastructure projects including roads and water systems to complement the financing and build a stronger rural economy.
