Siphofaneni – The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has rejected claims that its development projects exclude local companies, stating that all procurement processes follow legal and financing regulations.
Speaking during a recent briefing, EWADE Chief Executive Officer Dr Samson Sithole said the enterprise operates transparently and within strict procurement laws. He revealed that over E2 billion has been channelled into the local economy through contracts awarded to local suppliers.
Dr Sithole said EWADE’s procurement policies are often guided by agreements with international financiers, which in some cases require partnerships with foreign firms. He explained that these terms are not meant to disadvantage Eswatini-based companies but to comply with the conditions set by funding partners involved in multi-billion Emalangeni projects.
“We have awarded substantial work to local suppliers,” Dr Sithole said, adding that international collaboration remains a key feature of many major projects. “Where local companies are not selected, it is due to funding requirements and not discrimination.”
Drawing a comparison between local firms and national athletes, Dr Sithole said local businesses entering joint ventures with foreign partners gain international competitiveness similar to footballers representing Eswatini abroad.
He expressed confidence that local contractors are capable of meeting global standards and said EWADE expects them to continue improving their capacity and delivery without relying on special treatment.
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