AGRICULTURE BUDGET SEES 6.45% INCREASE IN 2025
MBABANE – The Ministry of Agriculture in Eswatini has received an increased budget allocation for the 2025/26 financial year, rising from E1.55 billion in 2024/25 to E1.65 billion in 2025/26. This reflects an increase of E100 million, equivalent to a 6.45 per cent rise. The additional funding is aimed at expanding several key agricultural projects, including:
The Smallholder Agricultural Productivity, Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP): Set to launch in May 2025, this initiative has been allocated E60.4 million and is expected to benefit over 17 000 smallholder farmers.
Youth agriculture project: With an initial allocation of E50 million, this project is expected to provide employment and skills training for young farmers. National Maize Corporation (NMC) support: E65 million has been earmarked for input subsidies and tractor hire services to assist smallholder farmers. One of the biggest agricultural investments in the 2025/26 budget is the continued development of the Mpakeni Dam, which has been allocated E737.36 million. This project aims to provide reliable water access to the Shiselweni Region and boost irrigation for commercial farming. Additionally, E46.5 million has been set aside for the construction of medium and small dams across the country.
Irrigation
The Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP II) will receive E230 million to improve irrigation infrastructure and support sugar cane production in the Lubombo Region.
While the total budget for 2025/26 has increased, some projects such as LUSIP II have seen a reduction in allocation compared to the previous year. However, government has continued to prioritise food security, irrigation expansion and youth empowerment in agriculture.
In his budget speech, Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg emphasised that agriculture remains a key sector for economic growth. He highlighted the need for increased productivity on small plots of land, drawing inspiration from successful small-scale farming models in Asia. With food security and job creation as major national priorities, the Eswatini Government’s agricultural budget reflects a continued commitment to supporting both commercial and smallholder farmers.
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