MANZINI – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says Eswatini’s ginger and turmeric initiative could create up to 10 000 jobs and generate over E1 billion annually through agro-processing drive.
The projections were announced yesterday during the official launch and Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony for the Ginger and Turmeric Research, Production and Value Addition Initiative held at the University of Eswatini Luyengo Campus.
Dlamini said the initiative could transform agriculture into a major industrial and export-driven sector if fully implemented over the coming years.
He projected that expansion to about 2 000 hectares involving over 5 000 smallholder farmers and processing facilities within five years could create between 4 000 and 5 300 direct and indirect jobs.
Annual farm-gate revenues are estimated at between E120 million and E180 million, while processed-product revenues could reach between E250 million and E500 million. Export earnings are projected at between E150 million and E350 million annually.
“Looking further ahead, if Eswatini establishes itself as a regional supplier of ginger oils, turmeric extracts, nutraceuticals, wellness products and natural cosmetics, the industry could generate more than E1 billion annually within the next decade,” Dlamini said.
He said the project was not only agricultural but also an industrialisation, youth employment, women empowerment and innovation initiative.
The programme brings together government, UNESWA, Universitas Airlangga, and Royal Tirta Ayu Spa in a partnership focused on farming, research, agro-processing and value addition.
Dlamini said agriculture remains central to the economy, with about 75 per cent of the population relying on the sector.
He said the country had long exported raw materials while importing finished goods at higher prices, stressing that “the future of agriculture lies not merely in production but in value addition.”
The initiative aims to produce oils, extracts, cosmetics, herbal remedies, food supplements and wellness products for local and export markets, strengthening rural economies and boosting earnings.
Dlamini said women, who make up more than 60 per cent of smallholder farmers, and youth, facing unemployment of 48.7 percent, would benefit through expanded economic opportunities.
“Our objective is clear: to transform graduates from job seekers into job creators,” he said.
He added that the partnership would strengthen research in horticulture, biotechnology, food science and pharmaceuticals, while promoting innovation and commercialisation of research outputs.
Dlamini said investment in processing, packaging, branding and export systems would ensure competitiveness, noting agro-processing’s stronger GDP contribution compared to primary agriculture.
He said the initiative aligns with national priorities and continental frameworks, including the African Union Agenda 2063 and the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Road Map.
“This partnership is therefore a practical demonstration of both Agenda 2063 and the SADC Vision in action,” he said.
UNAIR and UNESWA Partner on Herbal Medicine
MANZINI – Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and Community Development at Universitas Airlangga, Professor Muhammad Miftahussurur, said the partnership reflects a shared vision between academia, government, industry and communities.
He said the collaboration had moved from discussion to action, promoting wellness, sustainability and knowledge exchange.
He noted the university’s global ranking and said the MoU with UNESWA would strengthen cooperation in education, research and innovation.
Miftahussurur said the partnership would empower students, lecturers and researchers through practical training in herbal medicine, wellness and sustainable development.
He added that collaboration with industry partners such as Royal Tirta Ayu Spa would ensure practical, community-centred innovation.
Eswatini aims to lead regional turmeric production
MANZINI – Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka, represented by Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, described the initiative as a transformative model for agriculture and industrial growth.
He said the partnership promotes high-value, climate-resilient crops and addresses economic and health challenges through diversification.
Tshawuka noted that Eswatini imports about E2.2 million worth of turmeric annually, representing lost opportunities for local farmers.
He said global turmeric demand is valued at about E90 billion, creating significant export potential.
“One hectare of land can accommodate up to 150 000 seedlings and yield up to 40 tonnes of fresh turmeric,” he said.
He outlined three key challenges the initiative addresses: limited technical capacity, lack of processing infrastructure, and weak market access for smallholder farmers.
He said collaboration with UNESWA and Universitas Airlangga would improve research and crop resilience, while investment from Royal Tirta Ayu Spa would support processing and value addition.
Tshawuka said structured outgrower models and cooperatives would help farmers access guaranteed markets and boost rural economies.
He pledged ministry support, saying the initiative positions Eswatini as a potential regional leader in organic ginger and turmeric production.
“To our farmers, agripreneurs and students, the seeds planted today are not just crops. They are the engines of economic growth,” he said.
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