By Inside Biz
Eswatini Coffee, a key player in the country’s growing coffee industry, has received crucial support from the European Union (EU) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to purchase a state-of-the-art coffee roaster.
During a recent tour of EU-supported projects, the EU Ambassador-designate to Eswatini, Kastern Mecklenburg, and Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, visited the coffee nursery and roaster site at Ngculwini.
The visit was part of the broader “Eswatini: Promoting growth through competitive alliances” initiative, which supports local farmers and small businesses in building sustainable industries.
A critical turning point for Eswatini Coffee came with the acquisition of the new roaster, which was made possible through the support of the EU, ITC, and the Government’s “Eswatini: Promoting growth through competitive alliances” programme.
Before this, the enterprise had to rely on facilities in South Africa for roasting, limiting control over the final product’s quality and freshness. The new roaster, capable of processing 30kg of coffee per hour without requiring a cooldown, enables Eswatini Coffee to consistently produce high-quality beans that meet the best standards.
Eswatini Coffee’s Patrick Du Pont reflected on the significance of the new equipment: “We now don’t need to go to South Africa to roast. This has also improved the freshness of our product.” The new computerized roaster allows the company to offer both medium and light roasts, catering to local tastes while also positioning the business for potential export opportunities. The ability to control the roasting process locally gives Eswatini Coffee greater flexibility and quality assurance.
Minister Khumalo also expressed his commitment to supporting farmers and growing the coffee industry. He assured local farmers, such as Anna Mathunjwa Dlamini, that the Government is working on regulations to protect them and mitigate the common risks that farmers face, such as hard work with low returns.
“The good thing is that we have a global price for coffee. We will take it from there and see what works going forward,” said the Minister.
The Minister also voiced his ambition to see coffee farming surpass sugar production in the country’s agricultural landscape, stating, “We want models like these – to build from backyards. Eswatini Coffee will be the first of the 20 cottage projects to be supported by the Government.” He praised the intercropping model used by local farmers, which allows them to earn additional income from other crops alongside coffee cultivation.
Minister Khumalo concluded by emphasizing the importance of creating sustainable, grassroots-driven businesses. “Our hands are open. If you want to expand, think big, we are here to support you.”
The purchase of the roaster represents a significant step toward transforming Eswatini’s coffee sector into a competitive player in the global market. “The good thing is that we have a global price for coffee. We will take it from there and see what works going forward,” said Minister Khumalo.
Eswatini Coffee is now able to deliver fresher, premium coffee to the market, creating new opportunities for local farmers and laying the groundwork for broader market penetration. The partnership with the EU and ITC has not only enhanced local production but also opened doors for potential export to markets beyond Eswatini’s borders.