Eswatini electrification rate reach 88%

MBABANE - The country's electrification rate has reached 88% and is the second highest in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

This was revealed by the Principal Secretary (PS) in the ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Lindiwe Mbingo in the ongoing Sustainable Energy Week (SEW) in Gaborone,  Botswana. 

Mbingo is representing the country in a dynamic panel discussion entitled "Energy for Development: The Critical Role of Off-Grid Renewables in Empowering Lives and Livelihoods".

As a key participant in this discussion, PSMbingo shared her expertise and perspectives on the critical role of off-grid renewable energy solutions in driving economic and social development, while also supporting the transition to sustainable energy systems.

Addressing the critical question on the role of off-grid renewables in socio-economic development, Mbingo responded that, "The Government of Eswatini envisions off-grid solutions playing a vital role in ensuring universal access to electricity, in line with the nation's 2030 target."

She said, while Eswatini boasts a relatively high electrification rate of 88%, certain communities remain inaccessible for grid extension.

"To close the gap towards the 100% target, the government has initiated pilot projects for mini-grids and solar home systems. This will not only improve the standard of living for remote communities but also contribute to sustainable development," she said.

She added that to support the access to clean water, particularly in rural communities, the government is also piloting solar water pumping schemes. These initiatives, according to Mbingo will help reduce the reliance on expensive electricity, enhancing both affordability and quality of life.

Turning her attention to the health sector, the PS highlighted Eswatini’s successes in ensuring electrification for health facilities, while also recognising the potential role of off-grid renewables in improving resilience and reducing costs for the health sector.

She shared the country's recent partnership with UNICEF Eswatini to deploy solar PV systems in rural and urban health facilities. "This collaboration aims to increase electricity reliability and reduce operational costs, particularly in rural clinics that often experience power outages," she elaborated.

The PS  stressed the value of off-grid renewable energy solutions in enhancing agricultural productivity through sustainable irrigation methods.

She further underscored the government’s dedication to advancing renewable energy access and transition, highlighting the recently launched project "Catalysing Renewable Energy Access and Transition in Eswatini," which aims to equip smallholder farmers, MSMEs, women, youth, and vulnerable groups with the skills and knowledge to access renewable energy funding and support the country's energy security and inclusive economic growth.

In her concluding remarks, the PS emphasized the need to accelerate the deployment of off-grid solutions while also prioritising policy development that promotes these solutions and manages the responsible disposal of renewable energy waste.