Eswatini is adopting a diverse and pragmatic strategy to tackle its energy challenges. The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy states that the country is exploring both renewable and conventional sources, including coal and geothermal, to secure a sustainable, long-term energy future.
This was announced during the 2025 Eswatini Energy Indaba hosted by Standard Bank Eswatini at the Royal Villas.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Dr. Tambo Gina, the Minister of Economic Planning & Development emphasized the importance of balancing the country’s bold climate ambitions with a realistic understanding of its current energy needs and resources.
While reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to renewable energy and carbon reduction goals, the Minister also recognized the strategic value of untapped local energy resources.
“This is done through exploring other locally available resources such as coal and geothermal resources,” he said. “Energy is a strategic pillar of global development, and we must take every step necessary to secure a sustainable and reliable energy supply.”
Eswatini currently imports about 70% of its electricity—a vulnerability that the Minister said impacts economic stability and limits the country’s ability to attract foreign investment.
“Eswatini is a country with immense potential. However, the country faces a crucial challenge: our dependence on imported energy. This vulnerability affects our economic stability and hampers long-term development and foreign investment,” he said. “Moreover, rising energy prices threaten our fiscal health.
The solution lies in a bold and decisive shift towards a secure and sustainable energy future.”
The Ministry is prioritizing the development of local generation capacity to reduce this dependence, including renewable technologies like solar and biomass, as well as conventional energy sources where feasible.
The mention of geothermal and coal as part of the energy strategy marks a significant shift in Eswatini’s policy approach.
According to National Geographic, geothermal energy is heat produced deep in the Earth’s core. It is a clean, renewable resource that can be harnessed for heat and electricity.
Most of Earth’s geothermal energy does not erupt as magma, water, or steam. Instead, it remains in the mantle, emanating outward at a slow pace and collecting as pockets of high heat.
Many countries have developed methods to tap into geothermal energy. Different types of geothermal energy are available worldwide.
The country is believed to have untapped geothermal potential that could provide a clean, consistent source of baseload power. Coal, on the other hand, offers a transitional option to strengthen supply while renewable projects expand.
While coal remains controversial due to environmental concerns, the Minister noted that Eswatini is committed to responsible development and will explore all technologies with environmental protection and sustainability in mind.
The Minister also acknowledged the role of independent power producers (IPPs), public-private partnerships, and recent regulatory reforms that have enabled corporate power purchase agreements and embedded generation, further supporting the country’s goal of a diversified and resilient energy system.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing the link between energy security and economic development, stating that Eswatini’s energy future must be based on both sustainability and reliability.
“At the end of the day, as a ministry, we have to ensure access to reliable, affordable, clean, and sustainable energy for all in line with sustainable growth,” he said.