Accelerating Success
Horticulture Input Subsidy
The Horticulture Input Subsidy is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen Eswatini’s horticultural sector by improving farmers’ access to essential production inputs. Through targeted financial support, the programme aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of both small- and large‑scale producers. By reducing the cost of key inputs such as fertiliser, agrochemicals, and planting materials, the subsidy seeks to stimulate increased local production, reduce reliance on imported vegetables, and expand the country’s presence in regional and international markets.
Objectives
The strategic objectives of the Horticulture Input Subsidy are:
- Subsidize farming inputs (fertilizer, agrochemicals, and planting material) by 40% to increase farmers’ profitability.
- Reduce dependency on imports for strategic vegetables currently imported in large quantities.
- Increase export volumes for selected baby vegetables with markets outside of Eswatini.
- Continue the subsidy program for 5 years to stimulate local production until farmers establish major infrastructure for operational efficiency.
Eligible Commodities
The subsidy program initially targets five (5) imported commodities and five (5) exported baby vegetables, selected based on import substitution and export potential.
Top 5 Imported Commodities
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Beetroots
Top 5 Exported Commodities
- Green Beans
- Peas (MGT & Sugar Snap)
- Baby Corn
- Chillies (furry)
- Baby Marrows / patty pans
NAMBoard & NMC & ESwatini Bank
The funds are obtainable at Eswatini Bank. Small Scale farmers who may not qualify for loan funding under normal circumstances are afforded an opportunity to borrow money without providing a collateral. The fund is co-guaranteed by NAMBoard and the Central Bank of Eswatini. Farmers can borrow up to E500 000 which is payable within 36 months.
What We Finance
- Farm Inputs (Fertilizers, Agro-Chemicals, Seeds, Seedlings, Packaging).
- Fencing Equipment
- Shade Nets and plastic Tunnels
- Irrigation System
Key Requirements
Business plan - Detailed budget, Cash flow projections
- Market Contract (e.g. NAMBoard & NMC etc.)
- Legal Land & Water Right
- Insurance Cover
- Sources of supply (Quotations per item)
- Company Registration Documents if Trading as a company OR Certified Copy of ID if individual farmer.
- Tax Clearance
ESWATINI AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (EADF)
The Eswatini Agriculture Development Fund (EADF) supports the implementation of the Eswatini National Agricultural Investment Plan (ENAIP). Its purpose is to transform the agricultural sector by providing catalytic incentives and investments to stimulate growth in farming and private sector participation across agricultural value chains.
Objectives of the EADF
- Catalyze investments along transformative agricultural value chains.
- Facilitate strategic government investments.
- Mobilize additional resources for investments.
- Streamline financial investments in agricultural value chains.
Investment Areas
Target Beneficiaries
All agricultural value chain players, including input suppliers, producers, commodity associations, agricultural research and development entities, processors, aggregators, service providers, and markets.
Investment Areas
Existing Farmers
- E5,000 – E1,000,000 (Seasonal Loans)
- E10,000 – E5,000,000 (Medium Term Loans)
Start-up Farmers
- E5,000 – E500,000 (Seasonal Loans)
- E10,000 – E3,000,000 (Medium Term Loans)
Interest Rate: 9% per annum.
Application Requirements – Individual Applicants
- Swazi citizen, at least 18 years old
- Certified copy of National ID
- Technically and commercially viable business plan
- Letter of intent from markets
- Water right (where applicable)
- Legal rights to land/infrastructure/equipment
- Three quotations per item (where applicable)
- Soil analysis and recommendations (for crop farmers)
- Proof of technical expertise
- Properly fenced land (where applicable)
- Economically viable production area
- Registration with AIIS (www.agrinfosystems.gov.sz)
- Good credit history (where applicable)
- Affiliation with a registered industry association
- Eswatini bank account prior to disbursement
- Tax Clearance Certificate (for bank loans)
- CV of project manager/lead
- Water salinity test if using borehole water
Additional Requirements – Companies, Cooperatives & Trusts
- Registered in Eswatini with 100% Swazi ownership
- Certified incorporation documents and bylaws
- Certified IDs for directors
- Resolution to borrow
- Maximum liability (for cooperatives)
Priority Commodities
- Crops: Maize, Beans, Cotton, Coffee
- Vegetables: Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, Tomatoes, Baby vegetables
- Fruits: Litchi, Papaya, Peaches, Mangoes, Bananas, Macadamia
- Livestock: Beef, Goats, Dairy, Aquaculture, Pork, Poultry, Apiculture