LocationsClean Energy Solutions Transform Lives and Livelihoods
June 11, 2026
Stakeholders visited Cocreators, one of the MSMEs that participated in the programme.
Eswatini's transition towards a greener and more sustainable future received a major boost as the United Nations in Eswatini officially handed over renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies to businesses, schools and community centres that participated in the "Igniting Eswatini's Green Engine" programme.
The handover ceremony, held at ASW Pty Ltd, a coffee farm at Lwandle, outside Manzini, showcased the transformative impact of clean energy solutions across the country and highlighted how renewable technologies can improve productivity, reduce costs and strengthen climate resilience.
Over the past year, the programme supported 16 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the hospitality, agro-processing, catering, retail and creative sectors across Eswatini's four regions. In addition, renewable energy technologies were installed in 11 schools and 11 Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs), extending the benefits of clean energy to communities and vulnerable groups.
The initiative has directly benefited more than 15,000 people through reduced energy costs, improved operational efficiency, enhanced service delivery and increased access to reliable and sustainable energy.
Critical Business Challenge
For many MSMEs in Eswatini, energy remains one of the fastest-rising operational expenses. Businesses often depend on grid electricity or fossil fuels such as petrol, exposing them to volatile global markets, rising fuel prices and the high cost of imported electricity.
For entrepreneurs operating on thin profit margins, energy is more than a utility – it is a key determinant of business survival, growth and competitiveness.
Recognising this challenge, the programme introduced renewable energy technologies designed to reduce operating costs, improve productivity and strengthen business resilience while contributing to national climate action goals.
A caregiver prepares food using biogas at Sinakekelinhlalakahle yeSive outside Manzini.
Bringing Clean Energy to Communities
Beyond businesses, the programme also targeted schools and Neighbourhood Care Points, which provide essential services including nutrition, care and education to vulnerable children.
Limited access to reliable energy often disrupts learning and caregiving activities in these facilities. By introducing clean energy technologies, the programme has helped create safer, healthier and more efficient environments for children and caregivers.
A Partnership Driving Sustainable Development
The programme was funded through the Joint SDG Fund with an investment of USD250,000, complemented by co-financing contributions of USD50,000 each from the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under the coordination of the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO). Implementation was led by UNDP and WFP in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.
Stakeholders at the handover ceremony.
Stakeholders Witness Results First-Hand
Ahead of the handover ceremony, government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, schools and MSMEs participated in a field tour to witness the impact of the programme.
The delegation, led by Undersecretary-Technical in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, Ms Gabsile Mabuza, UNRCO Head of Office Mr Benjamin Ofosu-Koranteng and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Ms Nessie Golakai-Gould, visited several beneficiary sites now powered by renewable energy technologies.
Among the highlights were:
Skhayithi Bottle Store: A First for Energy Independence
Skhayithi Bottle Store has become one of the programme's most remarkable success stories. The business now operates entirely off-grid using solar battery storage, eliminating reliance on the national electricity grid to power its cold storage and retail operations.
The achievement represents a first-of-its-kind demonstration of complete energy independence among the programme's MSME beneficiaries.
Cocreator Investments Cuts Energy Costs
Cocreator Investments Pty Ltd received a 5-kW solar power pack, energy-efficient air-conditioning systems and smart plugs, significantly reducing electricity consumption and operational costs across its business services.
Neighbourhood Care Point Replaces Firewood with Biogas
At Sinakekelinhlalakahle yeSive Neighbourhood Care Point, which serves approximately 50 children, the programme replaced traditional firewood cooking with a biogas system.
The intervention has reduced reliance on wood fuel, improved cooking efficiency and created a healthier environment for caregivers and children.
Thembisile Mafu one of the participating MSMEs
Farmers and Entrepreneurs Reap the Benefits
Sharing her experience during the event, beneficiary Thembisile Mafu described how rising energy costs, power interruptions and dependence on fossil fuels had constrained her farming and poultry business.
The installation of a solar-powered pump and brooding heater has transformed her operations by providing reliable irrigation and poultry brooding without dependence on grid electricity.
Mafu also highlighted the need to strengthen local technical capacity in renewable energy installation and maintenance, noting that the programme had revealed opportunities to further develop skills among Eswatini's renewable energy technicians.
Andreas Thwala, St Joseph's High School Principal
Schools Experience Faster, Cleaner Cooking
For St Joseph's High School, which serves more than 200 learners, including children with disabilities, the programme's support has significantly improved food preparation.
Principal Andreas Thwala explained that an energy-efficient pressure cooker has reduced the time required to cook beans from approximately three hours to less than one hour.
Previously, the school relied heavily on firewood for cooking.
"The smoke created a very uncomfortable environment for those preparing meals in the kitchen," he said.
The new cooking technology has not only improved efficiency but also reduced reliance on wood fuel, helping to address environmental degradation associated with deforestation.
UNRCO Head of Office, Benjamin Ofosu-Koranteng addressing the stakeholders.
Government Calls for Greater Collaboration
Speaking during the ceremony, Undersecretary-Technical Ms Gabsile Mabuza reaffirmed the Government of Eswatini's commitment to ensuring affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all.
"As we celebrate today's achievements, we must also be honest that the work is not yet done," she said.
Mabuza noted that the programme had generated valuable lessons on implementation, community engagement and scaling renewable energy solutions, and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
"Government provides the policy environment and national ownership. Development partners bring resources, technical expertise and innovation. The private sector brings efficiency and sustainability. Communities bring buy-in and accountability."
Lessons for Scaling Up Renewable Energy
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Ms Nessie Golakai-Gould described the initiative as an important pilot designed to generate evidence and lessons for future programming.
"There is a need to monitor performance, document results and share experiences," she said. "I encourage open discussions about both successes and challenges to inform future interventions."
Echoing the importance of collaboration, UNRCO Head of Office Mr Benjamin Ofosu-Koranteng said the programme demonstrates the power of partnerships and the value of the United Nations working together to accelerate sustainable development.
A Model for Eswatini's Green Future
As Eswatini continues to pursue its climate and development ambitions, the Igniting Eswatini's Green Engine programme provides a practical example of how renewable energy can simultaneously drive economic growth, improve livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.
From powering businesses and farms to improving conditions in schools and care centres, the initiative offers a blueprint for scaling clean energy solutions that leave no one behind.