In 2023, Eswatini relied on net imports for almost two-thirds of its electricity consumption—about 62%. Domestic low-carbon generation supplied just over a third, or 36%, with hydropower contributing about 20%, biofuels 14%, and solar 2%. Domestic fossil generation, entirely coal, accounted for only about 1%. Importantly, the data do not identify the sources of imported electricity, so that large share cannot be classified as either clean or fossil electricity.

Is Electricity Growing in Eswatini?

Eswatini’s electricity consumption per person remained well below its historical peak, rather than reaching new heights. In 2023, consumption was about 1,210 kWh per person, roughly 340 kWh—or 22%—below the 2007 record of 1,550 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation was about 440 kWh per person, approximately 220 kWh—or a third—below its 2001 peak. These shortfalls are concerning: stronger growth in clean electricity is needed to support development, electrification, and future demand, including digital infrastructure and AI. However, comparisons with historical records alone do not establish whether consumption increased or decreased in the latest year.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Eswatini should prioritize expanding solar while strengthening its grid and considering wind where local conditions are suitable. Relevant African examples include Cape Verde, where solar supplies about 14% of electricity generation and wind another 14%, and Kenya, where wind supplies 12%. Solar also contributes nearly a quarter of generation in Chile, showing the potential for a much larger solar contribution than Eswatini’s current 2%. Nuclear deserves consideration through long-term planning and regional cooperation: Armenia generates about 29% of its electricity from nuclear, while France generates roughly two-thirds. These examples offer lessons in building a diversified clean electricity supply, although their percentages are benchmarks rather than ready-made targets for Eswatini.

History

The recorded history of Eswatini’s low-carbon electricity shows an early expansion followed by fluctuations and periods of little change. Biofuel generation rose by 0.5 TWh in 2000 and another 0.1 TWh in 2006, before falling by 0.1 TWh in 2009 and 0.2 TWh in 2011; several other listed years recorded no change. Hydropower fell by 0.1 TWh in 2003 and recovered by the same amount in 2005. During the 2010s, it rose by 0.1 TWh in 2013, declined by 0.1 TWh in each of 2014 and 2015, then increased by 0.1 TWh in both 2017 and 2018 before remaining unchanged in 2019. This uneven record underlines the need for sustained additions to clean electricity generation, especially solar and consideration of nuclear, rather than prolonged stagnation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade