BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Eswatini is targeting about E187.7 million to construct and equip the country’s first public radiotherapy facility at Manzini Government Hospital, as the Kingdom strengthens its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the peaceful use of nuclear science.
The proposed facility is expected to cost approximately €10 million, equivalent to about E187.7 million at the 14 September 2026 exchange rate of €1 to E18.7695.
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, , disclosed the requirement while delivering Eswatini’s Country Statement during the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria.
The Minister said preliminary designs and environmental, social and geotechnical assessments for the radiotherapy facility had been completed with technical guidance from the IAEA.
He appealed for continued support from the agency, particularly in developing the human resources required to operate the facility.
“The Minister appealed for continued IAEA assistance through specialist fellowships and multidisciplinary training to ensure that Eswatini develops the necessary human resource capacity to effectively operate and sustain the facility once completed,” the statement said.
The development is part of wider cooperation between Eswatini and the IAEA, which includes healthcare, agriculture, water resource management, nuclear safety and sustainable energy.
On water security, Prince Lonkhokhela reaffirmed Eswatini’s participation in the IAEA’s Water Availability Enhancement Initiative (IWAVE), while highlighting ongoing work towards a National Hydrological Gap Plan.
The initiative is supporting the country through specialised equipment, technical training, scientific visits and isotope hydrology expertise to strengthen the assessment and management of water resources, including shared water resources.
In agriculture, the Minister highlighted the development of early-maturing and high-yielding cowpea mutant lines using nuclear techniques.
Eswatini has also expressed interest in participating in the IAEA–FAO Atoms4Food Initiative, which promotes the use of nuclear and related technologies to strengthen food security and climate-smart agriculture.
The Kingdom is also strengthening its nuclear safety and regulatory framework.
Prince Lonkhokhela said an independent Nuclear Radiation Safety Regulatory Authority had been established in line with IAEA standards, with government continuing to strengthen the policy and legislative framework governing nuclear and radiation safety.
On energy security, he said Eswatini was exploring the potential of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security.
He stressed that any exploration of nuclear energy would remain anchored in “nuclear non-proliferation, safety, security and international safeguards.”
Following the Country Statement, Prince Lonkhokhela held a bilateral meeting with the IAEA Director General in Vienna.
The Director General reaffirmed the IAEA’s readiness to support Eswatini in establishing its nuclear regulatory body and training officers responsible for nuclear and radiation safety standards.
He also confirmed continued support for the radiotherapy facility and other peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
Eswatini will host the SADC Sustainable Energy Week from March 15 to 19, 2027, with the Minister inviting the IAEA Director General and his team to participate through exhibitions, technical engagements and speaking roles.
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(Courtesy Pic)
