By Ncaba Ntshakala
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela has emphasized the need for a united societal approach to renewable energy at the close of the Third Annual EU Green Power Transformation Forum recently.
In his address, the Minister who spoke through the Principal Secretary Lindiwe Mbingo, called for collective action and community engagement to drive the transition to clean energy in Eswatini, marking it as both a technical and societal necessity.
“Let us not forget that the transition to renewable energy is not merely a technical endeavor; it is also a societal one.
We must engage our communities, raise awareness about the importance of renewable energy, and inspire collective action.
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Together, we can galvanize support for clean energy solutions that benefit all citizens of Eswatini,” said Prince Lonkhokhela, where he expressed the critical role of public involvement in the renewable energy movement.
When reflecting on his journey with the forum, the Minister recounted attending the Second Annual Green Power Transformation Forum in 2023 as his first official assignment.
He expressed his admiration for the discussions surrounding Eswatini’s energy needs, particularly those addressing energy security.
“I must say I was very impressed by the discussions which focused on critical issues relating to the energy needs of the country, especially energy security,” Lonkhokhela said.
In his closing remarks, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to Business Eswatini for hosting the event and to the European Union delegation in Eswatini for their unwavering support.
He extended special thanks to partners GIZ, Get. Invest, and Get. Transform for their technical contributions, which included reviewing Eswatini’s electricity legislation and developing frameworks for small-scale embedded generation.
The technical support you have provided—ranging from the review of our electricity legislation to the development of a short-term generation expansion plan—has been invaluable in advancing our national energy agenda,” the Minister said.
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The forum, he noted, served as a platform for collaboration between public and private stakeholders, strengthening partnerships that will drive transformative changes in Eswatini’s electricity sector.
Discussions highlighted the integral role of renewable energy in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
He said that by equipping local businesses, government entities, and community organizations with the necessary tools to engage in renewable energy initiatives, Eswatini is laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable energy future.
“The insights gained from this forum should be embraced and applied in all spheres of influence,” the Minister urged participants.
As the forum concluded, Prince Lonkhokhela expressed his optimism about the future of renewable energy in Eswatini, celebrating the progress made in innovative financing and advanced technologies.
He stressed the importance of viewing the transition to clean energy not just as a policy but as a principle, driven by the climate crisis and the need to protect future generations.
“The road ahead may be challenging, but I am confident that through our collective will, innovative spirit, and unwavering dedication, we will overcome any obstacles.
Renewable energy is not merely an alternative; it is the cornerstone of our strategy for economic resilience, social equity, and environmental stewardship,” he concluded.
