Eswatini shines in energy access, remains vulnerable -

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By Nomonde Mafu

Eswatini boasts one of the highest electricity-access rates in sub-Saharan Africa, ranking second in Southern Africa after South Africa, with an overall electrification rate of 85 per cent.

Yet, a recent Afrobarometer survey reveals that only about 59 per cent of citizens report having a reliable supply, a figure that falls to 45 per cent among those experiencing high levels of lived poverty.

One respondent in Manzini, who spoke on condition of anonymity, commented, saying that when the power goes off, they never know when it will return, and it disrupts their work.

Despite these challenges, most emaSwati applaud the government’s efforts in expanding grid coverage. Electricity ranks low on the list of issues citizens want prioritised, reflecting broad satisfaction with progress to date.

However, Eswatini’s energy security remains under scrutiny due to its heavy dependence on imports. Between 60 per cent and 80 per cent of consumed electricity is sourced from South Africa’s Eskom and Mozambique’s Electricidade de Moçambique, with some estimates placing imports from South Africa alone at up to 90 per cent.

In 2022, electricity was the third-most imported product in Eswatini, illustrating the country’s vulnerability to regional supply disruptions.

At the 2024 Standard Bank Eswatini Energy Indaba, Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, said they applauded Standard Bank for finding sustainable ways to facilitate financing of the country’s energy projects. Standard Bank is committed to supporting energy generation with a keen focus on projects that also propel the country towards our environmental goals to combat climate change.

Ernest Mkhonta, Managing Director of the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), emphasised the utility’s strategic vision to exceed national power demand by 2028.

“We also need to increase generation capacity and efficiency. We can do that in various forms, among others, accepting IPPs into the grid and also contributing to our capacity as well,” he said.

Later in the discussions, he added that they had other projects in the pipeline to increase local power generation, through the expansion of the Maguga Hydro Power Plant and with signed IPP agreements such as the Lower Maguduza Hydro Power scheme.

To reduce import dependence and foster sustainability, Eswatini’s Energy Masterplan 2034 aims for a 50 per cent share of renewable energy by 2030, prioritising biomass, hydro, solar and wind technologies. The government’s 2016 Independent Power Producer Policy further supports private sector involvement in power generation, laying the groundwork for a diversified, resilient energy mix.

Comparatively, Eswatini leads the region in access but still trails in reliability. Rwanda, with slightly lower access, has achieved notable rural stability through off-grid and mini-grid investments, while South Africa continues to grapple with rolling blackouts despite its sizeable domestic generation capacity.

Eswatini’s electricity narrative is one of impressive access and rising public confidence, tempered by ongoing concerns about reliability and sustainability. The government’s commitment to renewable energy and partnerships with independent producers offers a promising path forward. With strategic investments and policy support, Eswatini could become a regional exemplar of energy sovereignty in an increasingly unpredictable landscape.

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