BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela has urged the international community to cooperate on nuclear technology.
Prince Lonkhokhela made this plea when he attended the Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications, and the Technical Cooperation Programme at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA’s) headquarters in Vienna, Austria, held from November 26th to 28th, 2024.
In his remarks, the Minister acknowledged the critical role played by the IAEA in addressing many of the challenges African countries face, especially under the leadership of its Director General. He praised the IAEA for its swift assistance in cancer treatment, water scarcity, insect pest control, livestock production and health, and other issues affecting the African continent. The Minister expressed gratitude for the agency’s unwavering support and ongoing commitment to improving the lives and livelihoods of the people in Africa.
The Hon. Prince expressed gratitude for the IAEA’s support in addressing Eswatini’s challenges through human resource development programs. During his address at the IAEA’s Ministerial Conference, the Minister emphasised the need for global collaboration and investment in nuclear research and development, while commending the IAEA’s commitment to improving the lives of African citizens.
Since joining the IAEA Technical Cooperation Program in 2013, Eswatini has been expanding its utilisation of nuclear science and technology in key areas such as nuclear and radiation safety, food and agriculture, human health, water resources management, and energy planning. The country’s recently signed Country Programme Framework with the IAEA for 2024-2029 highlights these priority areas and outlines the Kingdom’s commitment to continue developing these sectors.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini has recently concluded a project on Isotope Hydrology, which has contributed to improving water resources management and energy planning. This project also resulted in a short-term electricity generation expansion plan to enhance the country’s energy security. Additionally, Eswatini has expressed interest in joining the IAEA’s Atoms for Food and Rays of Hope initiatives, and a meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture is scheduled to discuss these opportunities in more detail,” said the Minister.