LocationsEswatini Builds Climate Resilience into Construction Sector
Construction Sector Joins Climate Action Push
June 20, 2025
Eswatini's national climate action plan took centre stage at the Construction Industry Council's stakeholder forum.
UNDP/Mantoe Phakathi
The development of Eswatini’s third climate action plan, known as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), gained momentum as the construction industry gathered to explore strategies for climate-resilient development.
Held under the theme "Adapting to Climate-Resilient Construction Practices in the Built Environment," the one-day stakeholder forum was organised by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the NDC initiative.
Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The CIC Stakeholder Forum took place on 19 June at Esibayeni Lodge, Matsapha. Speakers emphasised the urgent need for action, citing the destruction and costs caused by climate-related events such as floods, hailstorms, and strong winds.
The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Hon. Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, noted the relevance of the dialogue, as Eswatini continues to face rising infrastructure damage due to climate change.
“Building climate resilient infrastructure is at the top of our agenda as a Ministry going into the future, and we are looking forward to having more forums and stakeholder engagements of a similar nature to ensure we implement best practices in developing quality infrastructure,” he said.
UNDP Backs Implementation of NDC 3.0
UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Henrik Franklin echoed the call to action, stressing that NDC 3.0 is now about implementation. He commended the construction sector for its leadership in climate action, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“From energy-efficient housing and flood-resilient public buildings and infrastructure like roads and dams, to low-carbon infrastructure and green jobs, your construction industry sector has immense potential to lead,” he said, adding: “We are grateful to the support we have been receiving through the NDC Partnership in updating Eswatini’s NDC.”
He thanked the British Government for funding the process and urged stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices.
He advocated for a circular economy “where used materials become a future resource, moving from ‘cradle to grave’ to ‘cradle to cradle’.”
Franklin emphasised the construction industry’s responsibility in ensuring the use of sustainable building materials.
A participant posing a question.
UNDP/Mantoe Phakathi
Expert Highlights Benefits of Green Infrastructure
As the UN technical lead on climate action, UNDP continues to support Eswatini’s climate agenda. In addition to providing facilities for the forum, UNDP brought in regional climate change expert Mr. Excellent Hachileka, who presented on Greening Infrastructure for Climate Adaptation and Resilience.
Hachileka outlined the benefits of green infrastructure:
Job creation: 2–3x more jobs per dollar invested
Skills development: New technical careers
Local SMEs: Growth through eco-materials and renewables
Gender and community empowerment
CIC Commits to Climate-Smart Interventions
CIC CEO Mr. Maqhawe Mnisi said the forum helped the industry assess its current position and plan a way forward.
“Industry committed to putting in place climate-smart interventions throughout their operations to mitigate and adapt effects of climate change,” he said. “CIC in partnership with UNESWA is supporting the development of a course to address adaptation to climate change – Maintenance and Installation of solar panels.”
National Alignment: NDCs, LT-LEDS and Green Taxonomy
Director of Meteorology, Ms. Duduzile Nhlengethwa-Masina, explained that the NDC process is aligned with the National Adaptation Plan and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS), which guide climate action to 2050. MTEA leads these initiatives with UNDP support.
She also mentioned the Green Finance Taxonomy Project, which provides a framework for guiding financial flows towards greening sectors such as agriculture, construction, ICT, manufacturing, transport, waste management, and policy. This project is implemented by the Central Bank of Eswatini in partnership with MTEA and UNDP.
“I see a lot of areas for the CIC to play a role,” said Nhlengethwa-Masina. “This is an opportunity for the industry to collaborate with the financial sector.”
Banking Sector Unlocks Climate Finance
Mr. Barry Schutzler, Head of Corporate and Investment at Standard Bank, discussed climate finance opportunities for local contractors and the importance of public-private partnerships.
“In Southern Africa, where urbanisation is booming, the design and financing of buildings today will determine the climate impact of our cities for decades to come,” he said, adding: “With the right incentives and financing models, we can reduce emissions, cut long-term operating costs, create green jobs, and build infrastructure that withstands future climate shocks.”
Laying the Foundation for a Greener Future
Eswatini’s construction sector has taken a significant step toward climate resilience, aligning its practices with national and global climate goals. Through partnerships, innovation, and policy alignment, the industry is poised to play a central role in shaping a greener, safer, and more sustainable future.