by Ncaba Ntshakala
The Kingdom of Eswatini made a strong emphasis on its commitment to off-grid renewable energy as a key driver of socio-economic development through the participation of Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Principal Secretary (PS) Lindiwe Mbingo in a dynamic panel discussion at the ongoing Sustainable Energy Week (SEW).
The discussion, titled “Energy for Development: The Critical Role of Off-Grid Renewables in Empowering Lives and Livelihoods,” brought together regional energy leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on the role of off-grid energy solutions in sustainable development.
PS Mbingo who represented Eswatini on the panel provided insightful perspectives on how off-grid renewable energy can bridge the energy access gap, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
She highlighted that while Eswatini enjoys a high electrification rate of 88%, there are still communities that remain beyond the reach of the national grid.
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To achieve the government’s universal electrification goal by 2030, Eswatini has embraced off-grid solutions, piloting mini-grids and solar home systems to bring reliable energy to these areas. Mbingo noted that these efforts are not only improving living standards but also contributing to broader sustainable development objectives.
Among the key off-grid initiatives being implemented, Mbingo pointed to solar water pumping schemes aimed at addressing access to clean water, particularly in rural areas.
She explained that these schemes significantly reduce dependency on expensive grid electricity, making water access more affordable and sustainable.
Turning to the health sector, she highlighted Eswatini’s progress in ensuring electrification of health facilities and emphasized the added resilience that off-grid renewables can provide in reducing operational costs and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
She shared details of a recent partnership between the government and UNICEF Eswatini to deploy solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in both rural and urban health facilities, a move that is expected to enhance energy security for critical healthcare services.
Again, Mbingo also expressed the role of off-grid renewable energy in boosting agricultural productivity, particularly through sustainable irrigation solutions.
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As part of its major commitment to renewable energy transition, Eswatini has launched the “Catalysing Renewable Energy Access and Transition in Eswatini” project, an initiative designed to equip smallholder farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women, youth, and vulnerable groups with the necessary skills and resources to access renewable energy financing.
She emphasized that this initiative aligns with the country’s broader strategy to strengthen energy security and promote inclusive economic growth.
In her concluding her presentation, PS Mbingo called for an accelerated deployment of off-grid solutions, stressing the importance of policy frameworks that support these initiatives while also ensuring the responsible disposal of renewable energy waste.
With the Southern African Development Community (SADC) moving towards a more sustainable energy future,
Mbingo highlighted the necessity of proactive policies that not only encourage investment in off-grid renewables but also safeguard against potential environmental risks associated with energy waste management.
