EU, ITC, Eswatini Ministry of Agriculture Feedlot Indaba Charts Way Forward for Livestock Sector

Convened by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Feedlot Indaba brought together key players under the theme "Building Resilient and Competitive MSMEs in the Feedlot Sector."

The two-day dialogue platform formed part of the Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Programme (ELVCDP), implemented by the ITC with support from the EU. It is part of the broader "Eswatini: Promoting growth through competitive alliances" programme. The initiative aims to unlock competitiveness constraints in the livestock sector, strengthen value chain partnerships, and support inclusive economic growth in Eswatini.

ITC

From Dialogue to Action

The Feedlot Indaba marked a shift from dialogue to action, with stakeholders aligning on practical resolutions to address systemic challenges and unlock the sector's full potential.

The livestock sector continues to face mounting pressures, including high feed costs, limited access to quality inputs, constrained financing, and the ongoing impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). These challenges have contributed to a decline in feedlot operations and reduced competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.

Call for Coordinated Reforms

Addressing delegates, the Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, emphasised the urgency of coordinated reforms and collective action: "Feedlotting represents a strategic opportunity for Eswatini to drive premium beef production, create jobs, and increase foreign exchange earnings. However, we must confront the realities facing the sector, particularly the devastating impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which remains the elephant in the room."

"We will only conquer this through cooperation. Stronger compliance, improved biosecurity, and collective action across the value chain are essential if we are to restore growth and rebuild confidence in the industry," he added.

The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable transformation of the livestock sector through the Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Programme (ELVCDP), implemented by ITC.

"This Indaba is about translating partnerships into practical solutions that strengthen resilience, improve productivity, and unlock market opportunities for MSMEs across the livestock sector," said EU Political Counsellor, Jose Becerra.

ITC

Key Resolutions to Drive Sector Growth

A key outcome of the Indaba was a set of priority resolutions designed to guide the sector's transformation.

Stakeholders agreed that policy reform and stronger enforcement mechanisms are critical to improving compliance and addressing inefficiencies across the value chain. This includes strengthening livestock health regulations, improving coordination between institutions, and ensuring effective implementation of standard operating procedures.

There was strong emphasis on investment in animal health and genetics, particularly through expanded vaccination programmes, improved disease surveillance, and accelerated breeding initiatives to enhance herd quality and productivity.

To address rising production costs, participants prioritised the development of local feed systems, including promoting alternative feed sources, expanding fodder production, and reducing reliance on imported inputs.

Improving access to finance was identified as a key enabler, with calls for innovative financing and insurance solutions tailored to MSMEs, alongside stronger collaboration between farmers, financial institutions, and development partners.

The Feedlot Indaba also highlighted the need for transparent and fair market structures, including improved grading systems, fair pricing mechanisms, and equitable value distribution across the livestock value chain.

Driving National Food Security

Local leadership reinforced the importance of aligning sector reforms with national priorities on food security and sustainability.

Manzini Regional Administrator urged stakeholders to take ownership of the sector's future: "Feedlotters must position themselves not only as producers, but as key contributors to national sustainability. The responsibility before us is clear - to build a sector that feeds the nation, reduces dependency on imports, and secures the future of our livestock industry."

The Way Forward

Stakeholders emphasised the urgency of addressing FMD through strengthened border controls, rehabilitation of livestock infrastructure such as cordon fences, and improved compliance with biosecurity measures.

There was strong consensus on the need to shift from planning to implementation, with a focus on measurable outcomes, accountability, and sustained investment.

The Feedlot Indaba marks a critical step towards building a more resilient, competitive, and inclusive livestock sector, one that supports farmers and MSMEs while contributing meaningfully to national economic growth and food security.

About the European Union Delegation to Eswatini

The EU Delegation to Eswatini is responsible for managing diplomatic relations between the EU and the Kingdom of Eswatini. These relations cover political relations, development cooperation, economic and trade relations as well as other areas of mutual interest between the two partners. The central objective of this partnership is to reduce and ultimately eradicate poverty through sustainable development, the progressive integration of Eswatini into the world economy, and the promotion of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights.

About ITC

The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transitioning economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About the Programme

The ITC-Alliances for Action programme 'Eswatini: Promoting growth through competitive alliances', funded by the EU, supports job creation for small farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans. Eswatini offers the global market unique organic produce, artisan roasted coffee, handmade cultural creations, and gourmet condiment lines.

ITC works closely with smallholder farmers, agro-processors, and artisans in Eswatini to support them in ways that are sustainable and benefit both people and the planet. In this way, ITC fosters and preserves cultural heritage, and draws on artisan skills and concepts of green growth.

Alliances for Action is an ITC initiative that seeks to transform food systems through producer partnerships that cultivate ethical, climate-smart, sustainable agricultural value chains.