Eswatini has committed to universal energy access by 2030, joining other African nations in endorsing the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration at the Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Kingdom, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Thulisile Dladla, pledged to work towards increasing electricity access and clean cooking solutions, raising the share of renewable energy in the region, and mobilizing private capital by 2030.
The Declaration aligns with Mission 300, an initiative launched by the African Development Bank and World Bank Africa in April 2024, aiming to provide electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030. Eswatini’s progress in energy access has been significant, rising from just 5% coverage in 2002 to 88% in 2024.
As part of its commitment, Eswatini plans to connect 50,000 new households, or about 200,000 people, to electricity over the next five years. This includes providing solar home systems to 15,000 remote rural households and connecting 35,000 households to the grid. Additionally, the government will offer free wiring installation for low-income households.
Eswatini also outlined plans for energy security, with key projects like the 75MW solar PV, 80MW biomass power, and hydro power expansions. The country is also exploring geothermal energy potential.
The government has pledged to strengthen its Gender Action Plan to promote gender equality within the energy sector, ensuring an inclusive approach to energy access.
