By staff
MBABANE – The second day of the Gender in Energy Policy Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop ended on a high note, with the private sector joining the discussions to address energy poverty in Eswatini.
The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to identify challenges and propose actionable solutions to ensure sustainable energy development, particularly for women and marginalized groups.
Pressing Questions and Challenges
Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in thought-provoking debates, exploring questions such as:
- What causes energy poverty, and why is it persistent?
- How can energy poverty be effectively addressed?
- What interventions can foster sustainable development in Eswatini?
Discussions highlighted several challenges contributing to energy poverty, including:
- Remote locations and lack of grid connectivity,
- Limited infrastructure and investment in renewable energy,
- Inadequate rural empowerment and education on energy benefits,
- Uncoordinated planning and siloed efforts,
- Transportation challenges, high unemployment, and gender inequality.
Proposed Solutions
Stakeholders identified key strategies to alleviate energy poverty and promote inclusivity in the energy sector, such as:
- Awareness campaigns to improve energy literacy,
- Training and mentorship for local energy entrepreneurs,
- Regulatory reforms to ensure inclusivity and equity,
- National prioritization of energy access as a critical development goal, and
- Collaboration with partners to secure financing and technical assistance for energy projects.
These solutions underscored the need for a unified approach to tackle energy challenges and deliver sustainable, long-term benefits for Eswatini’s communities.
The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy in partnership with Empower Southern Africa, which also funded the event. Both entities reaffirmed their commitment to fostering meaningful change in Eswatini’s energy sector.
The discussions served as a springboard for further action, encouraging collaboration between stakeholders to develop concrete strategies that can bridge energy gaps and empower marginalized communities.
“The workshop highlighted the urgency of addressing energy poverty in a way that ensures no one is left behind, particularly women and rural communities,” remarked one participant.
The outcomes of the workshop mark a crucial step in the ongoing fight against energy poverty, positioning Eswatini to pursue a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable energy future. The Ministry and Empower Southern Africa continue to lead efforts to ensure that energy access becomes a national priority, driving progress toward broader development goals.
