USADF Signs Two Grants with Groups in Swaziland:

WASHINGTON - June 4, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 4, 2009 – In an effort to reduce poverty and support income generation activities, the United States African Development Foundation signed two grants to benefit grassroots groups located in Swaziland. The grants will benefit Mtiya Threads and Shibani Multipurpose Cooperative.

After the grants had been signed, USADF Chairman Dr. John Agwunobi stated, “Funding economic development at the grassroots level is vital to USADF’s work and to the under-served people of Africa. These grants do just that – funding grassroots cooperatives to help grow and sustain their projects and give them the means to enhance their quality of life. ”

Mtiya Threads is a social enterprise selling high quality hand embroidered products created by Swazi women in Litsemba, Simunye region, Swaziland.  The grantee provides income generating activities for women employees and re-invests all profits back into the business and the women it represents.  The two year, $87,027 grant will help support the expansion of the enterprise, empowering more women.   USADF funds will provide working capital, office improvement, procure training, and help with the marketing and branding of products.

Shibanai Multipurpose Cooperative consists of 102 members, 87% of whom are women from rural, low income backgrounds that focus on income generating activities from the sale of eggs. While the Cooperative, located in Nftonjeni. Hhohho Region, currently produces 40,000 to 58,000 eggs per month, many eggs are of poor quality, and combined with other factors, do not generate strong profits.  The two year, $73,946 grant will empower Shibani to operate their business efficiently and sustainability.  USADF funds will finance working capital, office improvements, maintenance of the chicken house, and development of manuals and a business plan.

Shibanai Multipurpose Cooperative consists of 102 members, 87% of whom are women from rural, low income backgrounds that focus on income generating activities from the sale of eggs. While the Cooperative, located in Nftonjeni. Hhohho Region, currently produces 40,000 to 58,000 eggs per month, many eggs are of poor quality, and combined with other factors, do not generate strong profits.  The two year, $73,946 grant will empower Shibani to operate their business efficiently and sustainability.  USADF funds will finance working capital, office improvements, maintenance of the chicken house, and development of manuals and a business plan.

USADF began programming in Swaziland in 2003. Swaziland’s current portfolio stands at seven investment projects totaling more than $1 million.  For more information about the portfolio, please visit the country’s quick source page at http://www.adf.gov/USADF-QuickSourceCountryPortfolioPage-Swaziland.htm .

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Currently USADF operates in 20 African nations.  Over the past 25 years, USADF has funded nearly 1,500 projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.  For more information on USADF, its programs and application guidelines, visit www.usadf.gov

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