The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) achieved its highest-ever financial results, recording nearly E1 billion in sugarcane revenue and making a significant contribution to national development during the 2024/25 financial year, impacting over 155,000 people through its development initiatives.
The CEO, Dr. Samson Sithole, highlighted a key achievement during his presentation to the Swaziland Editors Forum last week: a significant increase in sugarcane production to 1,108,680 tons—an increase of over 411,000 tons.
This growth boosted sugarcane revenue to E999.157 million, up E194.382 million from the previous period. Overall, the organization’s tax contribution to the national treasury grew by more than E154 million, totaling E251.045 million. Additionally, the organization created 5,669 direct and indirect jobs during the year.
Key production and revenue figures supported the strong financial performance:
– Sugarcane Revenue: E999.157 million (up E194.382 million)
– Total Taxes Paid: E251.045 million (up E154.665 million)
– Total Sugarcane Produced: 1,108,680 tons (up 411,462 tons)
– Agribusiness Revenue (ACC): E25.745 million (up E14.932 million)
– Procurement Value: E310.073 million (up E310.73 million)
Beyond financial gains, EWADE expanded its development programs, benefiting 155,377 people across water, sanitation, and agricultural projects. Access to potable water increased for 71,689 individuals (adding 2,969 people), and sanitation facilities, including VIP toilets, reached 71,826 people (an increase of 826).
Food security initiatives also gained momentum through the Hamba Ubuye Project, which provided more than E14 million in funding to support 206 farmers. The project enabled the cultivation of 1,567.78 hectares and produced over 3,000 tons of various crops.
The presentation also highlighted progress on major national projects. Under LUSIP II, more than 3,000 hectares are now under irrigation, supporting sugarcane, banana, and other high-value crops, with plans for further expansion. The SAPEMP Project, valued at over E851 million, has been initiated, with community consultations underway and Expressions of Interest issued for Anchor Enterprises.
Regarding youth development, Dr. Sithole confirmed that Parliament has approved the E486 million Eswatini Youth Employment Opportunities Project (EYEOP) and is awaiting royal assent before finalizing the financing agreement.
EWADE invested in skills transfer, placing 50 Graduate Technicians within Sakhalive and 8 Graduate Trainees within EWADE operations and Sakhalive, as well as 20 young professionals (50% female) across various departments.