10/06/2026
E5.8 MILLION GREEN ENERGY PROJECT REACHES OVER 15 000 EMASWATI
By Mfanufikile Khathwane
MANZINI â More than 15 000 emaSwati are benefiting from clean and affordable energy following the handover of renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies worth E5 811 731.03 under a project supported by the Joint SDG Fund through the United Nations in Eswatini and the government.
The handover ceremony was held at Lwandle in Manzini on June 10, 2026, marking the successful completion of the Igniting Eswatiniâs Green Engine: Empowering MSMEs and Community Service Centres for a Just Energy Transition programme.
The project benefited 16 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), 11 schools, and 11 Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs) across Eswatiniâs four regions, directly reaching an estimated 15 577 people.
Delivering remarks during the event, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Nessi Golakai Gould described the occasion as an important milestone in Eswatiniâs journey towards a greener and more resilient economy.
She said the event coincided with the spirit of World Environment Day and demonstrated practical climate action through efforts to reduce emissions in the energy sector and advance the countryâs decarbonisation agenda.
Gould emphasised that the handover was more than the delivery of equipment.
âThis is a demonstration of what can be achieved when Government, the United Nations, the private sector and communities work together to advance sustainable development,â she said.
She reaffirmed UNDPâs commitment to supporting the Government in implementing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which form part of Eswatiniâs commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change.
According to Gould, decarbonisation is not only about reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also about building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready economy capable of creating opportunities for citizens.
She noted that the energy sector remains one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 76.7 per cent according to the World Resources Institute.
âFor that reason, the energy sector remains a priority area for decarbonisation. At the same time, energy is a key driver of economic activity and productivity, particularly for MSMEs,â she said.
Gould stressed that businesses and educational institutions have an important role to play in the countryâs transition towards a greener economy through innovation, investment and adoption of sustainable technologies.
She acknowledged that high electricity costs continue to affect businesses in Eswatini and said renewable energy solutions could help reduce operating expenses while improving productivity and competitiveness.
While renewable energy was not the answer to every energy challenge, Gould said it remained a critical component of a diversified and sustainable energy mix.
She also highlighted the importance of energy-efficiency technologies, saying they often receive less attention than they deserve despite their significant contribution to sustainable energy solutions.
The UNDP official further highlighted achievements under the programme, including the installation of renewable energy systems in 16 MSMEs, equally owned by women and men, as well as 11 schools and 11 neighbourhood care points.
She said the project was funded through an investment of US$350 000, comprising US$250 000 from the Joint SDG Fund and US$100 000 contributed by UNDP and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Gould thanked the Joint SDG Fund for its support and also acknowledged the partnership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Education and Training, the UN Resident Coordinatorâs Office and WFP.
She noted that despite challenges such as limited local technical capacity, access to equipment, engagement with property owners and regulatory requirements, the programme had delivered valuable lessons for future interventions.
âThis is a pilot initiative designed to generate evidence and lessons that can inform future investments and programmes. We must continue learning, documenting results and sharing experiences,â she said.
Gould also highlighted opportunities under the Catalysing Renewable Energy Access and Transition in Eswatini (CREATE) programme, a four-year initiative funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.
She said CREATE would help expand financing opportunities for renewable energy solutions, particularly for women and youth-led enterprises.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinatorâs Office, Benjamin Ofosu Koranteng said the programme had demonstrated that climate action, economic growth, energy security and social inclusion could be pursued simultaneously.
He said by supporting MSMEs and community service centres to adopt renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, the initiative had strengthened productivity, enhanced competitiveness and improved climate resilience.
Koranteng said one of the programmeâs most significant achievements was its direct impact on communities.
Through the introduction of clean cooking solutions in schools and neighbourhood care points, he said the project had contributed to healthier learning environments, reduced exposure to harmful indoor air pollution and eased burdens often carried by women and children.
He further stated that the programme promoted circular economy principles by demonstrating how sustainable resource management could support environmental protection while creating opportunities for innovation and enterprise development.
According to Koranteng, the investment was intended to be catalytic, generating evidence and strengthening national capacities that could attract larger investments into Eswatiniâs green economy.
He said the programme contributed towards several Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to health, education, clean energy, decent work, responsible consumption and climate action.
Koranteng praised the collaboration between UNDP, UNEP, WFP and the Resident Coordinatorâs Office, saying the partnership demonstrated the value of the United Nations development system working as one.
âAs we conclude this programme, we should not see this as the end but as the beginning of a larger journey. The partnerships built, the lessons learned and the solutions demonstrated provide a strong foundation for scaling up renewable energy and sustainable livelihood initiatives across Eswatini,â he said.
Among the beneficiaries was Mafutseni NCP caregiver Tfwala, who explained how a biogas system installed through the project converts organic waste into clean energy.
Tfwala said organic waste is fed into a digester where microorganisms break it down in the absence of oxygen, producing methane-rich biogas.
âThe biogas produced is similar to LPG gas used in many households for cooking and heating. The process not only generates clean energy but also helps manage waste sustainably and contributes to environmental conservation,â she said.
The project also recorded positive results among business beneficiaries.
Skhayithi Bottle Store owner Bongani Khumalo said the solar energy system installed at his business had reduced his monthly fuel costs by about E2 000 by eliminating reliance on a generator.
Meanwhile, Co Creator representative Ntsandvose Dlamini said the company had cut its electricity bill by 50 per cent after receiving energy-efficiency equipment through the programme.
As the project closes, stakeholders expressed optimism that its success will pave the way for greater investment in renewable energy technologies, stronger businesses and more resilient communities across Eswatini.
