LocationsMSMEs invited to submit proposals under renewable energy programme
April 9, 2026
CREATE Steering Committee Chairperson Ms. Gabsile Mabuza who is also the Undersecretary-technical at MNRE 9secnd from left) after the press conference.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE) is inviting Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to submit proposals to participate in the Catalyser for Renewable Energy Transition in Eswatini (CREATE) programme.
The call for proposals was made by the CREATE Steering Committee Chairperson Ms. Gabsile Mabuza who is also the Undersecretary-technical at MNRE. She made the call at a press conference held at the UN House on April 09, 2026.
CREATE is a four-year (2025-2028) government flagship programme designed to advance inclusive economic development across Eswatini’s principal and electricity-dependent value chains – agriculture, manufacturing and services – by promoting investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The programme is funded by the European Union Delegation to Eswatini through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development and implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy in partnership with UNDP and Catalyze Eswatini.
Eligible MSMEs can access detailed information on application requirements and proposal submissions here: https://go.undp.org/S63
The call for proposals will also be disseminated via media adverts.
Submit proposals to: registry.sz@undp.org
Submission deadline: 30 May 2026
CREATE Steering Committee Chairperson Ms. Gabsile Mabuza and Mr Bhekani Magongo, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to Eswatini.
Programme targets
The programme hopes to receive 1,000 applications from bankable businesses in targeted sectors, with an expected 320 business plans developed, 250 MSMEs accessing blended finance from local financiers, and unlocking Euro 5 million (SZL100M) in debt/equity for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
CREATE will not provide funding to the project participants but extends technical support to facilitate access to finance and develop a conducive environment for the transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency, thereby enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of local industries.
Through CREATE, participating MSMEs will receive a comprehensive support package that includes:
Assessment of renewable energy investment potential
Development of bankable project proposals
Structured engagement with financial institutions
Targeted technical coaching and advisory support
Quotes
“This four-year initiative reflects Government’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency across the MSME sector,” said Ms. Gabsile Mabuza, CREATE Chairperson and MNRE Undersecretary-technical.
“For 20 years, the EU has been supporting the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors but the gains have been minimal because of the high production costs to which electricity contributes. We hope that this call will benefit emaSwati to make a business case for transitioning to renewable energy,” said Mr. Bhekani Magongo, programme manager at the EU Delegation to Eswatini.
“We are encouraged by this call, as the agriculture sector is highly energy-intensive, and rising energy costs continue to undermine the sustainability of small-scale farmers. We therefore urge farmers across the entire value chain to seize this opportunity to reduce energy costs and enhance productivity,” said Ms. Kholiwe Mdlovu, Irrigation Engineer at the Ministry of Agriculture.
“We are grateful to the EU and the government for entrusting us with the responsibility of implementing this programme in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. At UNDP, we are committed to supporting the government in developing the MSME sector to drive economic growth, while also assisting the country in decarbonising its economy through low-emission technologies. We pledge to work closely with MSMEs to find solutions that enhance productivity,” said Mr. Mangaliso Mohammed, Sustainable Development Specialist at UNDP.