TaiwanICDF - Pig Breeding Center Opens, Ushering in New Era for Eswatini’s Swine Industry

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Pig Breeding Center Opens, Ushering in New Era for Eswatini’s Swine Industry

The Mpisi Core Pig Breeding Center—one of the key outcomes of the Pig Industry Enhancement Project Phase II in Eswatini (hereinafter referred to as “the Project”) implemented by the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF)—was officially inaugurated on April 11, 2025. The inauguration ceremony, held in central Eswatini, was attended by government representatives and key stakeholders from the livestock industry.

The event commenced with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following this, guests were guided through a tour of the Mpisi facility by Taiwan Technical Mission in Eswatini Project Manager Henry Jian and Project Coordinator Mr. Xolani Ndlangamandla. The tour highlighted the facility’s pig breeds, modern infrastructure, advanced breeding techniques, and biosecurity measures, offering attendees an in-depth understanding of the facility’s modernized features. A short film showcasing the project's achievements was also screened, illustrating the fruitful collaboration between Eswatini’s Ministry of Agriculture and the TaiwanICDF.

During his remarks, Eswatini Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Mandla Tshawuka, stated: “This core breeding center marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Eswatini’s swine industry. Our investment goes beyond infrastructure—it is a commitment to national food security, farmer empowerment, and rural development.” Republic of China (Taiwan) in Eswatini Embassy Minister Ching-lin Tsuei spoke on the enduring and invaluable friendship between Eswatini and Taiwan, reaffirming Taiwan’s dedication to Eswatini’s agricultural development. “The Mpisi Core Pig Breeding Center symbolizes a shared vision of bilateral cooperation,” he noted. “Through the Taiwan Technical Mission and this enhancement project, we will continue to support Eswatini in its pursuit of sustainable agriculture and rural development.”

Additionally, one of the project’s participating farmers, Mrs. M. Mavuso, shared her personal experience. Reflecting on the growth of the swine industry, she likened it to seeing the first light of dawn after a long night. She expressed heartfelt gratitude for the government-led initiative and the Taiwan Technical Mission’s guidance, noting that since the project’s launch in 2016, Eswatini’s domestic pork production has increased by more than 70%.

TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General Ms. Pei-Fen Hsieh also spoke on the achievements of the project since its inception in 2016, which she said has successfully boosted the country's self-sufficiency in pork production. Building on the success of Phase I, the ongoing second phase aims to further strengthen the swine industry value chain and support farmers in improving productivity and income. Ms. Hsieh also noted that the Mpisi Core Pig Breeding Center now stands as a benchmark for modern pig production in Eswatini, symbolizing innovation, partnership, and a shared vision for a self-reliant agricultural future.