King Mswati III calls for investment in Africa’s seed sector

King Mswati III has called for increased private and development investment in Africa’s seed sector to ensure food sovereignty and agricultural stability. Speaking at the inaugural Africa Seed Summit in Ezulwini, the King emphasized that a reliable supply of high-yielding and affordable seeds is essential for the continent’s future.

To attract capital, the King urged governments to establish stable policies, harmonized regulations, and predictable operating environments. He also stressed the importance of regional cooperation, noting that seed systems, pests, and markets transcend national borders. He suggested that the African Union play a key role in providing common frameworks and accountability mechanisms.

Furthermore, the King proposed that African nations maximize their agricultural potential by focusing on crops suited to their specific landscapes and soil types. He advocated for country-by-country analysis through soil testing and the better utilization of water resources, such as the Nile, Congo, and Malawi rivers, for irrigation. He noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area could connect producers to wider markets, provided there is sufficient investment in transport infrastructure.