- The European Union (EU) has awarded the Government of Eswatini a grant of EURO 820,000 (15 Million emalangeni), to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions.
- This initiative aims to enhance business sustainability and profitability while promoting energy resilience and green investments in the country.
The four-year programme (2025 – 2028) will mainly target smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and manufacturing enterprises, enabling them to integrate renewable energy technologies into their operations. The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, is spearheading the EU-funded programme with implementation support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Catalyze Eswatini.
Unveiling the initiative at a signing ceremony at the Mountain View Hotel, Mbabane, the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Hon. Dr. Tambo Gina, said providing access to affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy as an enabler for economic development is a priority for Eswatini and is anchored at the global level by Goal 07 of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Gina expressed his appreciation for the partnership between the European Union and the Government of Eswatini in conceptualising CREATE and further congratulated UNDP on being awarded the contract for implementing the programme.
“Having worked with UNDP in a number of development initiatives, I want to assure you, Your Royal Highness and Your Excellency the Ambassador and everyone present today that the contract will be effectively executed and delivered to the betterment of emaSwati,” said Hon. Dr. Tambo.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
