BOTSWANA INVESTOR TO ESTABLISH TRACTOR ASSEMBLY SHOP

MBABANE - EWADE continues to cement its position as a catalyst for international investment, with Botswana-based African Agriculture expressing keen interest in Eswatini’s burgeoning agricultural sector.

Attracted by the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise’s (EWADE)s transformative water infrastructure projects, a three-member delegation of China-linked African Agriculture led by its Managing Director (MD) Miles Nan visited EWADE on Wednesday. The visit was facilitated by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA). The delegation’s primary mission was to explore investment opportunities offered under EWADE’s landmark initiatives, including the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) Phases I and II, and the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP).

Highlighting African Agriculture’s vision, Nan revealed the company’s interest in establishing a tractor and implements assembly shop in Eswatini. This venture would aim to make farming equipment more accessible to local farmers, easing their financial and logistical challenges. The company also expressed interest in developing horticulture projects under EWADE’s Project Development Areas (PDAs). Additionally, African Agriculture plans to explore cultivating a specialised type of rice, noting that Eswatini’s favourable soils and irrigation infrastructure present an ideal environment. Nan explained that previous attempts to grow the rice in Botswana were hindered by water scarcity.

Establishment

“This rice has the potential to be a significant export product to markets in Southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique,” Nan said. Another ambitious idea discussed was the establishment of an Agricultural Park. Nan described the park as a multi-functional hub for small-scale farmers, local market promotion and community education. Furthermore, the company is considering investments in the cultivation of medicinal crops for export to China, supported by their expertise in renewable energy, agricultural drones, and other innovative technologies. During the visit, EWADE’s Commercial Director, Musa Masilela, outlined various investment opportunities under EWADE’s newly-formed commercial wing.

“We are prioritising collaborations with foreign direct investors (FDIs) through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Our focus areas include eco-tourism, precision agriculture, renewable energy and consultancy services,” Masilela said. The delegation toured the LUSIP I and II sites, where they observed developed sugarcane farms, banana plantations and water conveyance systems. They were also taken to Mpakeni to view the construction of the MNWAP dam, which is currently 15 per cent complete.

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