Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini has taken a major step toward achieving universal energy access by 2030, thanks to the World Bank-funded ASCENT Project.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, welcomed World Bank Country Director Ms Satu Kahkonen and her delegation for a courtesy visit to discuss ongoing and future development initiatives in Eswatini’s energy, water, and land sectors.
The World Bank delegation, which included Mirlan Aldayarov (Lead Energy Specialist), Ike Okorie (Country Representative), Marko Kwaramba (Senior Country Economist), and Joana Watkins (Senior Public Sector Specialist), engaged in fruitful discussions with the Ministry on the progress of various World Bank-supported programs aimed at improving energy and water access across the country.
World Bank’s continued commitment to Eswatini
During the meeting, Ms. Kahkonen reaffirmed the World Bank’s dedication to supporting Eswatini’s sustainable development goals. She also announced that the Bank would dispatch a team of experts in land management and related fields to conduct a fact-finding mission, signalling a potential expansion of support into the land sector.
The ASCENT Project, recently approved for funding by the World Bank, marks a pivotal moment in Eswatini’s energy transformation efforts. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitious goal of achieving universal energy access by 2030, ensuring that even the most remote communities benefit from reliable and affordable electricity.
A brighter future for Eswatini’s energy sector
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy continues to prioritize strategic partnerships to drive sustainable development in the country. The ASCENT Project’s approval reflects growing confidence in Eswatini’s vision for energy accessibility, economic growth, and social progress.
With strong international collaboration and proactive government policies, Eswatini is on track to becoming a model for energy inclusivity and infrastructure development in the Southern African region.
As discussions between the World Bank and the Eswatini government progress, there is growing optimism that further support in the land and public sector domains will enhance the country’s overall development trajectory, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all emaSwati.
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