MATSAPHA – Eswatini’s rapidly expanding macadamia industry is poised for a major growth as Elangeni Food Group moves closer to commissioning its processing facility, strengthening export capacity and agricultural value addition.
The development marks another milestone in government’s drive to diversify the economy through high-value agriculture, industrialisation and export-led growth, with macadamia nuts increasingly emerging as one of Eswatini’s most promising agricultural commodities.
During a visit to the nearly completed processing facility in Matsapha on Monday, Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo welcomed the investment, describing it as a strategic addition to the country’s manufacturing and export base.
The facility, expected to become fully operational in early September, is currently in the final stages of preparation. Installation, fabrication and automation of specialised processing equipment are progressing steadily, while the company has already started receiving macadamia nuts from local growers and commenced the curing process.
Once operational, the plant will process locally produced macadamia nuts for international markets, adding value before export instead of shipping raw produce abroad.
This is expected to improve returns for farmers, increase export earnings and create new employment opportunities across the value chain.
Macadamia farming has quietly become one of Eswatini’s fastest-growing agricultural industries.
More farmers are investing in orchards as international demand for premium-quality macadamia nuts continues to rise. The crop is regarded as one of the world’s most valuable tree nuts because of its premium pricing, long shelf life and wide application in the food manufacturing, confectionery, cosmetic and health sectors.
Local farmers are producing premium macadamia nuts destined for both domestic consumption and international markets.
The nuts, known for their distinctive round or oval shape and hard shell protecting a creamy kernel, have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers due to their rich nutritional profile. They contain healthy unsaturated fats, essential vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, making them highly sought after in premium food markets across Europe, Asia and North America.
One of the biggest challenges facing emerging farmers is access to reliable markets. Elangeni Macadamia seeks to address that challenge by sourcing macadamia nuts from farmers across Eswatini for processing and export.
The company will purchase locally grown nuts, process them to international standards and supply overseas buyers, creating a dependable market while encouraging farmers to expand production.
For growers, this significantly reduces market uncertainty and increases confidence to invest in additional orchards, irrigation systems and improved farming practices.
The facility also represents an important shift towards value addition, where agricultural products are processed locally before export rather than leaving the country in raw form.
This allows a greater share of the value generated from agricultural production to remain within Eswatini through processing, packaging, logistics and employment.
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