Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Eswatini

The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, through His Excellency the Right Honourable Prime Minister, today welcomed a delegation from the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho that is in the country on a high-level learning mission focused on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery.

The delegation is led by the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Hon. Mohlomi Moleko, who is accompanied by his spouse.

The mission seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange on Eswatini’s progress towards achieving universal access to water services by 2030. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Government of Eswatini’s partnership with World Vision, which demonstrates the Government’s strategic leadership, effective policy implementation, and commitment to expanding sustainable WASH services.

The Lesotho delegation comprises senior government officials and technical experts. Representatives from World Vision Lesotho, including the National Director and other senior staff members, are also participating in the mission.

The delegation arrived in Eswatini on 8 June 2026 and will depart for Lesotho on 13 June 2026. Throughout the week, members of the delegation will participate in a series of high-level engagements, field visits, and technical discussions aimed at promoting peer learning, strengthening collaboration, and facilitating the exchange of best practices between the two countries.

The delegation has also met with the Honourable Minister HRH Prince Lonkhokhela; Minister of Health, Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Minister of Tinkhundla and Minister of Finance

Hon. Mohlomi Moleko and his delegation will join HRH Prince Lonkhokhela at tomorrow’s official commissioning of the Bulekeni Water Project, which will take place at the Ekuphileni Primary School Sports Ground under Zombodze Inkhundla.

Ministry Expands Access to Clean Energy for Businesses and Educational Institutions.

Today, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, in partnership with UNDP, WFP and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, officially handed over renewable energy and clean cooking systems to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), schools and Neighbourhood Care Points under the Igniting Eswatini’s Green Engine programme.

The initiative marks an important milestone in the country’s just energy transition journey, with Solar PV systems installed in 16 MSMEs across all four regions and clean cooking technologies deployed in 11 schools and 11 Neighbourhood Care Points.

The programme has directly benefited an estimated 15,577 emaSwati by reducing energy costs, improving operational efficiency, strengthening service delivery and promoting climate-resilient development.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Ms Nessie Golakai-Gould highlighted the importance of documenting lessons from the pilot initiative to inform future interventions and support the scaling up of successful clean energy solutions.

Implemented through a partnership between the Ministries of Natural Resources and Energy, Commerce, Industry and Trade, Education and Training, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, UNDP, WFP and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the programme demonstrates how strategic investments in renewable energy can drive inclusive economic growth while advancing climate action.

For MSMEs, the programme has introduced innovative solar-powered technologies that help reduce electricity costs, improve productivity and strengthen business resilience. Beneficiary enterprises from agriculture, hospitality, retail, catering and creative industries are already leveraging renewable energy solutions to support sustainable growth.

“Energy is not a luxury, it is a foundation. For MSMEs, reliable and affordable energy means higher productivity, lower operating costs and more sustainable businesses,” said Ms Gabisile Mabuza, Under Secretary Technical in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.

Schools and Neighbourhood Care Points have also benefited from electric pressure cookers and biogas systems that reduce dependence on firewood, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve food preparation efficiency for children and vulnerable communities.

As Eswatini continues to pursue its national development priorities and climate commitments, this initiative provides practical evidence of how renewable energy can support economic empowerment, quality education, food security and environmental sustainability.

Government of Eswatini Welcomes Lesotho Delegation for High-Level WASH Learning Mission

The Government of Eswatini, through the Department of Water Affairs under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, is hosting a high-level learning mission for a delegation from the Government of Lesotho focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery.

The mission seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange on Eswatini’s progress towards achieving universal access to water services by 2030. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Government of Eswatini’s partnership with World Vision, which demonstrates the Government’s strategic leadership, effective policy implementation, and commitment to expanding sustainable WASH services.

The Lesotho delegation comprises senior government officials and technical experts. Representatives from World Vision Lesotho, including the National Director and other senior staff members, are also participating in the mission.

The delegation arrived in Eswatini on 8 June 2026 and will depart for Lesotho on 13 June 2026. Throughout the week, members of the delegation will participate in a series of high-level engagements, field visits, and technical discussions aimed at promoting peer learning, strengthening collaboration, and facilitating the exchange of best practices between the two countries.

The delegation was officially welcomed today by the Director of Water Affairs, Mr. Makhosini Khoza, and is also expected to meet the Honourable Minister, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, during the course of the visit.

Hon. Minister HRH Prince Lonkhokhela met with representatives of the World Bank yesterday to discuss the country’s energy targets, including universal access to electricity, energy security, and the deployment of renewable energy solutions.

The discussions focused on how the World Bank can support the attainment of these strategic objectives. Notably, the World Bank has already extended a loan to the Government aimed at accelerating electrification efforts, with the goal of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030.