By Ncaba Ntshakala
As Eswatini is on a path of agricultural productivity and achieve greater self-reliance in fertilizer production, the Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, has issued a compelling invitation to investors to establish fertilizer manufacturing plants in Eswatini.
Minister Tshawuka made this call while delivering a country statement at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Eswatini, is among the ten African nations that have surpassed the 2006 Abuja Declaration target by attaining 57kg/ha in soil nutrient content, which boasts a remarkable agricultural landscape.
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However, challenges persist, particularly in the realm of fertilizer imports, leaving the nation vulnerable to external disruptions such as the recent Russia/Ukraine conflict.
Minister Mandla Tshawuka emphasized, “This is a result of concerted efforts over time. However, as a country, we still face challenges like importing all our fertilizers hence being subjected to shocks of events that happen outside our borders such as the Russia/Ukraine conflict.”
Highlighting the importance of diversifying fertilizer sources, the Minister of Agriculture extended an earnest invitation to reputable investors in the sector to consider establishing manufacturing plants within the country’s borders.
This move aims to enhance local production capacity, reduce dependency on imports, and mitigate the risks associated with external factors.
Moreover, Tshawuka expressed the need for research and development in organic soil nutrition, acknowledging that most fertilizers in Eswatini are synthetic.
He expressed openness to business ventures focused on organic soil health solutions, further emphasizing the importance of innovation and sustainability in agriculture.
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Minister Mandla Tshawuka further addressed the funding challenges prevalent in the agricultural sector and he expressed optimism in finding creative solutions through collaborative efforts and partnerships forged during the summit.
Tshawuka in Nairobi to attend the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit.
He is accompanying the Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini who is representing His Majesty King Mswati III.
