MBABANE – Associated British Foods (ABF), the parent company of Ubombo Sugar Limited, says it is successfully advancing its long-term growth strategy in Eswatini.
This is with major investments aimed at expanding production capacity, improving agricultural efficiency and strengthening the sustainability of its operations.
The company highlighted the progress following a recent visit to its Ubombo business and published the update on its official corporate platform.
According to ABF, Ubombo Sugar is set to increase its total sugar production by an estimated **47 000 tonnes** annually within the next five years.
The rise in output will be driven by a two-phase factory debottlenecking programme that is already underway. The improvements will enable the factory to process **20 per cent** more cane, positioning Ubombo to meet growing demand and maintain operational resilience in an increasingly competitive regional sugar industry.
ABF said the enhanced production capacity will be supported by additional cane supply coming from the second phase of the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP-II), a government-backed agricultural development initiative.
The project, which is currently expanding irrigation infrastructure to new areas, will enable the development of approximately **4 000 hectares** of small-scale sugar cane farming.
This expansion is expected to create employment opportunities, broaden participation of rural communities in the sugar value chain and contribute to improved household incomes.
“The LUSIP expansion is an integral part of our long-term strategy,” said ABF in its statement.
“By increasing the number of local growers and improving access to irrigation, we are supporting the wider community while also strengthening the security of our cane supply.”
The company emphasised that Ubombo’s performance in recent years has consistently aligned with ABF sugar’s strategy of driving sustainable growth in its African operations, where it continues to invest in technology, infrastructure and agricultural transformation.
Ubombo Sugar has also undertaken several agricultural upgrades aimed at improving crop yields and reducing environmental impact.
The estate has converted parts of its irrigation network from older sprinkler and furrow systems to modern, water-efficient systems supported by upgraded pumps and pipelines.
These improvements form part of broader climate resilience measures, allowing the estate to manage water more efficiently while protecting land and crop health.
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supporting local capacity, skills development
MBABANE – The company further stated that ongoing training and agricultural skills development form a key part of the investment.
Ubombo is rolling out programmes to enhance local expertise in farm management, technology application and sustainability-focused practices.
This aligns with broader industry efforts to ensure that Eswatini’s sugar sector remains competitive in the face of fluctuating market prices, climate variability and regional supply challenges.
The developments come at a time when Eswatini’s sugar industry continues to play a central role in the economy, as one of the country’s largest employers and contributors to export earnings.
The industry also supports thousands of livelihoods through outgrower schemes, community irrigation projects and associated small and medium enterprises.
ABF’s commitment to continued expansion signals confidence in Eswatini as a long-term investment destination, particularly within the agricultural sector.
“With the ongoing capital investment programme and enhanced agricultural practices, Ubombo Sugar is well-positioned for sustainable growth,” the company said.
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