In 2023, Eswatini relied on net imports for almost two-thirds of its electricity consumption, while domestic low-carbon generation supplied just over a third. Hydropower contributed about 20% of electricity consumed, biofuels about 14%, and solar about 2%. Domestic fossil generation, entirely coal, accounted for only about 1%. The imported electricity’s generation mix is not specified, so these figures do not establish the full low-carbon or fossil share of electricity consumed.

Is Electricity Growing in Eswatini?

Eswatini’s electricity consumption per person has not surpassed its historical peak. In 2023, consumption was about 1,210 kWh per person, roughly 340 kWh—or 22%—below the record of 1,550 kWh in 2007. Domestic low-carbon electricity generation was about 440 kWh per person, around 220 kWh—or a third—below its 2001 record. These gaps are concerning, although comparisons with historical records alone do not reveal whether electricity consumption grew in the latest year. Expanding clean electricity supply would help meet future demand from electrification and digital services.

Suggestions

Eswatini should prioritize expanding solar electricity through both large projects and rooftop installations, supported by stronger grids and storage. Smaller regions offer useful examples: Cape Verde generates about 14% of its electricity from solar, while Namibia’s absence from the supplied comparisons makes Cape Verde and other listed African examples especially useful reference points. Somalia generates about 17% from solar, and Morocco and Kenya demonstrate wind’s potential, with shares of about 20% and 12%, respectively. Eswatini could assess suitable wind sites alongside solar development. Nuclear should also be considered through long-term planning and regional cooperation: Armenia generates almost a third of its electricity from nuclear, while France generates about two-thirds, demonstrating its potential to provide substantial clean electricity.

History

The supplied history shows intermittent gains rather than sustained expansion in Eswatini’s low-carbon electricity generation. 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 intervening entries show no change. Hydropower fell by 0.1 TWh in 2003 and recovered by the same amount in 2005, followed by little change in the reported years through 2012. Another 0.1 TWh increase in 2013 was followed by declines of the same size in both 2014 and 2015. Gains of 0.1 TWh in each of 2017 and 2018 were encouraging, but generation was unchanged in 2019. This uneven record underscores the need for sustained growth in clean electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade