UN, Government Join Forces to Drive Agricultural Transformation at National Agricultural Investment Forum

 The National Agricultural Investment Forum, a landmark event aimed at mobilizing resources and stakeholders to transform Eswatini's agricultural sector, was officially opened today at The George Hotel in Manzini. The two-day forum, held under the theme "Mobilising Partners for Agri-Food Systems Transformation," brings together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society to discuss the revitalization of the agricultural sector.

In his opening address, His Excellency Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini emphasized the crucial role agriculture plays in Eswatini's economy, highlighting the government's ambitious plans to achieve an annual economic growth rate of 12% through collaborative efforts across sectors. "Agriculture remains one of the most significant sectors in Eswatini, and the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, along with its stakeholders, are critical to driving this growth," said the Prime Minister. He also stressed the importance of inclusivity, particularly in engaging the youth in agricultural initiatives, and underscored the need for investment in infrastructure and innovative practices to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The forum showcases Eswatini’s progress in aligning national agricultural policies with international standards, including the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Prime Minister noted that the Eswatini National Agricultural Investment Plan (ENAIP) is central to the country's goal of achieving food security and promoting export-oriented commercial production.

Mr. Deepak Shah, the UN Resident Coordinator Ad Interim, reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to supporting Eswatini's agricultural transformation. "The UN, through various programmes and partnerships, is dedicated to ensuring food availability, accessibility, and affordability for all," he stated. Mr. Shah also highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, to enhance food security and community resilience.

The forum has facilitated critical discussions on investment opportunities in Eswatini's agricultural value chains, with presentations from various sectors, including livestock, crops, and horticulture. The government, with support from development partners like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is working to create an enabling environment for private sector investment in agriculture through initiatives such as the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund (EADF) and strategic partnerships with international organizations.

As the forum progresses, participants are optimistic about the future of Eswatini’s agriculture sector. "This event provides a platform for stakeholders to engage meaningfully, and we are confident that the partnerships formed here will translate into tangible outcomes that will drive agricultural transformation in Eswatini," remarked Prime Minister Dlamini.

The National Agricultural Investment Forum marks a significant step forward in Eswatini’s journey towards achieving sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring food security for all emaSwati. The UN remains committed to working alongside the government and other partners to achieve these shared goals.