By Phiwa Sikhondze
In a bold move towards bolstering the nation’s energy sector, the Eswatini government has signaled its intent to invest in a series of ambitious energy projects.
This announcement comes in the wake of the recent Standard Bank Eswatini Energy Indaba, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for advancing renewable energy investment in the region.
During his address at the Energy Indaba, the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, outlined the government’s vision for energizing Eswatini’s economy through targeted investments in the energy sector. Citing the imperative of ensuring energy security and sustainability, Rijkenberg underscored the government’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions to meet the nation’s growing energy demands.
He highlighted that most of the government’s capital funding and budgets are heading for finalization, meaning that they can start working by next year.
He noted that the country has more than enough resources to be self-reliant on energy generation. He described the heavy reliance on imported energy yet the country has the resources to generate enough energy as an act of foolishness.
“There is an opportunity for Eswatini to be 100 percent reliant on green energy. It is not easy, but very attainable,” he said.
Rijkenberg emphasized the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in driving energy infrastructure development, highlighting the government’s readiness to collaborate with industry stakeholders and financial institutions like Standard Bank to unlock investment opportunities.
He reiterated the government’s willingness to provide policy support and regulatory clarity to create an enabling environment for energy investments in Eswatini.
The Minister emphasized that more investments in the energy space would solve a lot of major challenges faced by the country, with unemployment being the first one.
He stressed that with a clear vision, strong commitment, and collaborative approach, the government is poised to unlock the full potential of the nation’s energy resources, driving economic growth, and improving the quality of life for all citizens.