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Agri-Biz Economy Latest News

Ubombo Sugar Outlines E2.8 Billion Expansion at Suppliers Day

30 March 2026
Ayanda Dlamini

Ubombo Sugar Limited (USL) is opening a new chapter for businesses in Eswatini, officially outlining a massive E2.8 billion expansion program during its Annual Suppliers Day.

Managing Director Muzi Siyaya detailed a strategic roadmap that includes an E1.3 billion investment to increase factory crushing capacity and a further E1.5 billion dedicated to boosting power exports.

This dual-pronged growth strategy is expected to turn Big Bend into a hive of economic activity over the next three to four years, creating a ripple effect of infrastructure development that will require a robust and reliable supply chain.

 According to Siyaya, this presents opportunities for suppliers across various sectors.The Managing Director also acknowledged long‑standing suppliers for their consistent delivery of quality and reliable supplies, while encouraging aspiring suppliers seeking to join the Ubombo Sugar value chain. He emphasised that supplier success is closely tied to adherence to quality standards and alignment with the company’s values.

Safety was emphasised as a central pillar of Ubombo Sugar’s operations. The Managing Director highlighted that safety is not limited to Ubombo Sugar employees but extends equally to contractors and suppliers operating within the company’s environment.

The Head of Safety Skhumbuzo Mohammed delivered a detailed presentation on safety, outlining the company’s safety policies, procedures, and minimum compliance requirements.

His presentation emphasised the critical role contractors play in maintaining a safe working environment and clearly set out expectations regarding hazard identification and reporting, incident management, and compliance with legal and company safety standards. Contractors were reminded of their responsibility to ensure that all employees are aware of safety protocols before commencing work on site, as failure to do so could even lead to that company being given a red card for not complying with safety standards.

The Head of Finance, Philile Nxumalo, focused her presentation on corporate governance, transparency, and ethical procurement practices. She explained that Ubombo Sugar follows strict anti‑bribery and corruption principles and is committed to promoting fairness and good governance across all its operations. She outlined that the company does not support the use of intermediaries or so‑called “briefcase middlemen” who do not add value to the supply chain. Instead, Ubombo Sugar prefers to engage directly with manufacturers and suppliers who understand the business requirements, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and value for money.

Nxumalo further clarified that while Ubombo Sugar prioritises local procurement where possible, certain components are sourced offshore but only when they are not manufactured locally. She also explained that as part of a global entity, there are instances where group‑wide procurement arrangements across Associated British Foods companies provide better pricing and commercial value. However, she reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maximising local spend wherever opportunities exist.

…SMEs partake

Participants actively engaged throughout the event, with some seeking clarity on small and medium enterprise (SME) opportunities, procurement requirements, and payment processes, reflecting the importance of predictable cash flow and access to opportunities for local businesses.

The Annual Suppliers Day forms part of Ubombo Sugar’s broader commitment to responsible procurement, ethical conduct, and inclusive economic participation, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to socio‑economic development while maintaining operational excellence.

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