BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Eswatini is moving to accelerate the deployment of solar energy as government deepens cooperation with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to unlock investment, strengthen infrastructure and expand access to affordable renewable power.
The country’s solar transition was among the key issues discussed during a bilateral meeting between ISA and an Eswatini delegation led by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, Lindiwe Faith Mbingo.
ISA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization dedicated to accelerating the global deployment of solar energy to fight climate change and provide clean energy access. Originally pitched by India as a coalition of sunshine-rich tropical countries, it has since opened up to all United Nations member states and includes over 120 signatory nations
The delegation from Eswatini also included Chief Energy Officer Mandla Vilakati and Energy Officer Charlazi Dlamini.
According to ISA, the discussions built on the Eswatini delegation’s recent study visit to India and focused on practical measures that could speed up solar deployment in the country.
Among the areas discussed were the development of a National Solar Energy Roadmap, competitive procurement of solar Independent Power Producers (IPPs), modernisation of the electricity utility and the expansion of solar-powered irrigation systems.
The two sides also discussed cold-chain solutions, as well as rooftop and decentralised solar applications, which could broaden access to clean energy beyond large-scale generation projects.
The engagement comes as Eswatini seeks to increase the contribution of renewable energy to its electricity mix and reduce reliance on imported power.
However, the success of the solar transition will depend not only on the country’s solar resource, but also on its ability to create an environment capable of attracting investors and financing viable projects.
ISA and the Eswatini delegation underscored the importance of strengthening the enabling ecosystem across policy, regulation, financing, procurement, infrastructure and institutional capacity.
This, they said, would be critical in accelerating the deployment of affordable and sustainable solar energy.
ISA also highlighted the importance of improving access to affordable finance, reducing investment risks and strengthening project bankability across Africa.
In its Ease of Doing Solar 2025 report, the alliance noted that stronger financing ecosystems could help African countries transform their vast solar potential into bankable and investable projects.
For Eswatini, improved access to capital could prove critical in translating solar ambitions into projects capable of supplying households, businesses, farms and industries.
Meanwhile, the meeting also discussed Eswatini’s ongoing process to ratify the ISA Framework Agreement.
ISA confirmed its readiness to deepen cooperation with Eswatini following ratification, while continuing to provide knowledge sharing and capacity building support.
The discussions took place as the Eighth Meeting of the ISA Regional Committee for the Africa Region got underway in Zimbabwe, where the focus is on unlocking capital and accelerating solar deployment across the continent.
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