EU and UNDP Empower Eswatini’s Small Businesses with Renewable Energy Investment
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The European Union (EU) has awarded a €820,000 grant (approximately E15 million) to the Government of Eswatini to boost renewable energy adoption among the country's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative, dubbed CREATE (Catalysing Renewable Energy Adoption for Transformation and Empowerment), is aimed at promoting energy efficiency, climate resilience, and long-term profitability among Eswatini’s business community, particularly in the agriculture, agribusiness, and manufacturing sectors.
Spanning four years (2025–2028), CREATE is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, with implementation support provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Catalyze Eswatini.
At the official signing ceremony hosted at the Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane, Hon. Dr. Tambo Gina, Minister of Economic Planning and Development, highlighted the strategic role of energy access in national development. He reaffirmed Eswatini's commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 7—ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Dr. Gina praised the EU-Eswatini partnership and congratulated UNDP for being entrusted with the implementation. “We trust UNDP’s experience and effectiveness. This programme will directly improve the livelihoods of emaSwati by accelerating inclusive economic growth,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Mr. Sicelo Nxumalo, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, commended the initiative’s alignment with Eswatini’s national priorities. He emphasised the importance of strategic investments that support green growth and sustainable entrepreneurship, noting that the implementing partners’ expertise will be critical to the project’s success.
EU Ambassador Mr. Karsten Mecklenburg reaffirmed the EU's support and expressed optimism that CREATE will strengthen ongoing EU-supported initiatives. He noted the programme’s integration into wider private sector value chains such as textiles, creative industries, agro-processing, and tourism . The initiative will also be embedded into the EU–Eswatini Multi-Annual Indicative Programme, with a particular focus on green skills and youth-oriented Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Henrik Franklin underscored the inclusive approach of the project, revealing that 40% of supported enterprises will be owned or led by women. He described CREATE as a transformative effort that will provide businessesespecially women-led MSMEs with access to finance, technology, and sustainable energy solutions. The project aims to reduce operational costs, unlock innovation, and create employment opportunities, especially for youth.
Mr. Franklin concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholdersincluding financial institutions, policymakers, regulators, and entrepreneurs to collaborate in making the country's green energy transition a reality. “CREATE is more than a project. It is a platform for change and empowerment,” he declared.
