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Parties sign the EU Grant Agreement.
The European Union (EU) has awarded the Government of Eswatini a grant of EURO 820,000 (15 Million emalangeni), to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions. This initiative aims to enhance business sustainability and profitability while promoting energy resilience and green investments in the country.
The four-year programme (2025 – 2028) will mainly target smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and manufacturing enterprises, enabling them to integrate renewable energy technologies into their operations. The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, is spearheading the EU-funded programme with implementation support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Catalyze Eswatini.
Unveiling the initiative at a signing ceremony at the Mountain View Hotel, Mbabane, the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Hon. Dr. Tambo Gina, said providing access to affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy as an enabler for economic development is a priority for Eswatini and is anchored at the global level by Goal 07 of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Gina expressed his appreciation for the partnership between the European Union and the Government of Eswatini in conceptualising CREATE and further congratulated UNDP on being awarded the contract for implementing the programme.
“Having worked with UNDP in a number of development initiatives, I want to assure you, Your Royal Highness and Your Excellency the Ambassador and everyone present today that the contract will be effectively executed and delivered to the betterment of emaSwati,” said Hon. Dr. Tambo.
The signing parties posing for a photo after the end of the ceremony.
The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, commended Hon. Dr Tambo Gina for his exceptional leadership in mobilising resources and ensuring that strategic investments align with Eswatini’s national development priorities.
“To UNDP and Catalyze Eswatini, your role as implementing partners will be crucial in turning this vision into reality. Your expertise in renewable energy, financing solutions, and business development will ensure that MSMEs and agri-businesses across Eswatini fully realise the benefits of this project,” he said.
HRH Prince Lonkhokhela was represented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Under Secretary, Mr. Sicelo Nxumalo.
The EU Ambassador to Eswatini, His Excellency Mr. Karsten Mecklenburg, expressed joy that CREATE will build on existing EU-supported projects and be linked to private sector value chains like agriculture, agro-processing, textiles, creative industries, and tourism.
“Moreover, it will also be linked with the new partnership between the EU and Eswatini in the next years under our multi-annual indicative programme for Eswatini. This partnership will have a major focus on market-driven human capital development and TVET for youth with green skills as one of the priorities,” said Mr. Mecklenburg.
In response, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Henrik Franklin, said CREATE will place women-led MSMEs at the forefront of Eswatini’s energy transition, ensuring that at least 40% of the supported businesses are owned or led by women.
“This project will break down barriers to finance, technology, and clean energy solutions, enabling women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, drive innovation, and strengthen economic resilience,” he said.
Franklin added that CREATE is also about economic empowerment, reducing business costs, and improving financial access for MSMEs.
“It is about job creation, ensuring that MSMEs have the energy security to grow and thrive,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders – entrepreneurs, financial institutions, policymakers, and regulators – to come to the party and create the change they want to see.
