The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has confirmed the successful completion of projects valued at E638.4 million under its Commercial Wing during the 2024/25 fiscal year.
EWADE’s notes in its 2024-25 Annual Report that this is an indication of the organization’s effort to shift from government dependence to a financially sustainable business is on solid progress.
Introduced as part of the 2022-2027 Corporate Strategy, the Commercial Wing was established to diversify revenue sources, enhance self-sufficiency, and turn EWADE’s extensive technical expertise into viable commercial services. Although it is still in the process of formal company registration, the unit has already proved its value through impactful projects in agriculture, water infrastructure, youth development, and environmental sustainability.
During the year under review, the Commercial Wing carried out six major projects totaling E638.4 million, covering agriculture, youth employment, climate adaptation, water infrastructure, and community development. These include:
• Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP) – E486 million: One of the largest youth-focused programmes in the country, EYEOP is supported by the World Bank and is designed to address unemployment by equipping young people with practical skills and enterprise opportunities. A Project Manager has been appointed, and project manuals have been approved. World Bank-led training for implementation teams is currently underway.
• FAO-GEF-8 Food Systems Project – E76 million: With climate-resilient food systems becoming increasingly urgent, this project focuses on enhancing agricultural sustainability and strengthening food security. A capacity assessment has been completed, and the project is set to launch fully in September 2025.
• Water & Infrastructure Services for LUSIP II – E52 million annually: Following a joint MOU between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Agriculture, EWADE has been appointed to manage the LUSIP water infrastructure system. The government is expected to allocate E52 million annually to support maintenance, operation, and service delivery.
• Commercial Maize Project (Hamba Ubuye) – E14.3 million: The Commercial Maize Project continues to boost national food security. During the review period, EWADE disbursed E14.3 million to support 208 smallholder farmers with inputs, irrigation services, and technical support under the Hamba Ubuye Fund.
• Nine Earth Dams Project – E17 million (Phase I funded): EWADE submitted proposals to the Government of Taiwan for nine earth dams to strengthen water access for rural communities. Taiwan approved funding for two dams (Mangcongco and Sidvokodvo) with procurement currently underway. Additional proposals will be advanced in the 2025/26 period.
• MNWAP Concept – GEF 8 (Strengthening the INCOMATI Watercourse) – E400,000: This intervention focuses on zoning the Mpakeni Dam to support sustainable land-use planning and climate resilience. The project supports proper development controls, environmental safeguards, and optimized use of the dam and surrounding land.
Beyond large-scale projects, the Commercial Wing delivered all five consultancy jobs targeted for the year, with three already paid for and the remaining two at the quotation stage. These included: World Vision Irrigation Designs, Nondvo Dam Environmental & Social Impact Assessment, Tisuka TakaNgwane irrigation designs and farm management, and additional technical advisory work for smallholder and commercial clients.
These services highlight EWADE’s growing position as a trusted technical services provider in the country’s agriculture and water sectors. Looking ahead, the Commercial Wing plans to scale its revenue base further. Upcoming priorities include expansion of bean production on 50 hectares at Paradise Farm, spring potato production, new consultancy offerings, including irrigation designs and technical training, enhanced plant hire services, and increased income from Lubovane Dam visitor facilities.
With multiple bids and proposals already in progress, the Commercial Wing expects to enter 2025/26 with a strong commercial pipeline and growing demand for its services.