Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise - EWADE

Behind every hectare harvested is a farmer, a family, and a livelihood strengthened.

This season, EWADE's Commercial Maize Project under the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund supported 191 farmers across Eswatini to cultivate 1,424 hectares of maize, contributing to national food sovereignty while creating opportunities for increased household income and agricultural growth. To date, farmers have successfully harvested 1,291 hectares across the country's four regions, despite challenging weather conditions that affected parts of the season.

The impact extends beyond the current harvest.

Since its inception, the programme has grown from supporting just 17 farmers cultivating 172 hectares to nearly 200 farmers producing maize on over 1,400 hectares. This season alone, the project is expected to deliver an impressive 5,697 metric tonnes of maize, the highest production recorded under the initiative to date.

By providing farmers with access to production support, technical expertise, , and financial support, EWADE is helping transform agriculture from subsistence farming into a viable agribusiness opportunity.

The introduction of small-scale harvesting technologies has further improved efficiency, reduced labour costs, and strengthened the sustainability of farming operations.

Making a difference is not only about the numbers. It is about empowering farmers with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to produce more, earn more, and build resilient agricultural enterprises that contribute to Eswatini's economic growth and food security.

Every harvest is a reminder of what is possible when farmers are supported to succeed.

Our SAPEMP team has been on the ground with farmers from across Manzini and Lubombo, strengthening farmer profiling and enhancing data collection efforts. Working closely with extension officers, specialists, and cluster leaders, the team is helping improve digital systems and ensure accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information.

Better data enables smarter planning, stronger market linkages, and more targeted support, driving improved productivity and sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers across Eswatini.

EWADE joined key stakeholders, traditional leaders, Government representatives, and development partners during a stakeholder consultation meeting convened as part of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Mission for the Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme (MNWAP) Phase II.

The engagement provided an important platform to share updates on the proposed project, discuss community priorities and safeguards, and strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders. Such consultations play a critical role in ensuring that community voices are heard and reflected in project planning and implementation.

As EWADE, we remain committed to supporting inclusive stakeholder engagement processes that contribute to sustainable rural development, improved water security, and enhanced livelihoods for communities across Eswatini.

Today, we marked an important milestone with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between EWADE and CFl in support of the FINCLUDE Project.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration, accelerating implementation, and ensuring the successful completion of a profect that has already impacted over 13,500 smallholder farners and micro-entrepreneurs across Eswatini.
Through this MoU, EWADE will provide targeted technical and project management support; reinforcing delivery, coordination, and execution-while working within CFIs leadership framework to sustain momentum and maximize impact.
With the implementation and closeout phases of FINCLUDE now underway, this collaboration comes at a critical time.
Together, we are focused not only on completing activities, but on safeguarding the gains already achieved and ensuring lasting benefits for rural communities.
This moment underscores the power of partnership, where institutions align their strengths to drive inclusive growth, enhance resilience, and deliver meaningful change for the people of Eswatini.

Stronger Governance, Greater Impact

Internal Audit is more than a function, it is a strategic partner in building resilient, accountable, and future-ready organizations.

Through independent insight and a sharp focus on risk and opportunity, our Internal Audit team helps drive better decisions, stronger performance, and sustainable value.

From uncovering risks to strengthening governance, they do not just tick boxes, they protect what matters most.

Thank you to our Internal Audit team for your commitment to excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement.

May is Internal Audit Awareness Month, and at EWADE, we are pleased to spotlight the important contribution of our Internal Audit function in driving organisational excellence.

Through continuous engagement with teams across the organisation, Internal Audit plays a key role in strengthening oversight, supporting effective decision-making, and fostering a culture rooted in accountability and strong governance.

As we mark this month, we acknowledge their ongoing commitment to adding value and supporting EWADE’s mission of making a difference.

Congratulations to our Board Member, Mr. Muzi Siyaya, on his new appointment as Chairperson of the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA). We are proud to have your leadership within our organization and look forward to your impact on Eswatini's national growth.

We recently hosted the IFAD Supervision Mission for a tour of the SAPEMP project across Eswatini.
The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with farmers, enterprises and partners, and to take stock of progress on the ground. From Hawane to Ndushulweni, the mission saw first-hand how SAPEMP interventions are supporting productivity, market access, and livelihoods.
The engagements also created space to reflect on what is working well and where we can strengthen delivery going forward.