The government of Eswatini is currently in the process of putting into action the structural reforms that are outlined in both its Strategic Framework for Economic Recovery and its National Development Plan (2019–22). The investments in infrastructure, agricultural production, and financial segmentation are given high priority as a result of the reforms. Both the development and promotion of indigenous Swazi entrepreneurial behavior and the spread of industrialization across the country are goals that have been actively pursued by the government through the implementation of various initiatives. Eswatini will therefore be one of the best places to invest in any sector.
Eswatini is a small economy that has gradually grown over the years. Agriculture and forestry are major contributors to the country’s economy. A mixture of commercial and subsistence farming is commonly practiced by the locals, with the staple food being corn. Other commonly grown foods include vegetables, peas, beans, sorghum, and pumpkins. While the crop yields are usually low, farmers with progressive production match the large-scale commercial sector. Moreover, the country treasures livestock as a traditional indicator of wealth, which has increased its population over the years. With such a small livestock-carrying capacity, the country is subject to high rates of soil erosion and vegetation loss.
The sugarcane growth and the sugar manufacture represent Eswatini’s largest agro-industry. Shongwe (2020) notes that the country’s extensive man-made forests of eucalyptus and pine are of great commercial importance. These forests are the primary suppliers of timber to sawmills and wood pulp mills. The author also posits that after sugar, unbleached wood pulp represents the country’s second-largest export. Approximately 6% of Eswatini’s total area is under timber. This makes the practice sustainable for long periods. Other important crops in the country include rice, vegetables, tobacco, pineapples (Middleveld), and cotton (Lowveld). It should be noted that livestock farming is also equally important in the country as it fosters dairy plants and meat processing.
