By 
By Delisa Magagula
The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) has confirmed that Taiwan has contributed over E300 million towards the electrification of the Kingdom, helping push national electricity access to 88 percent.
The figure was revealed by EEC’s Vusi Gama, speaking on behalf of EEC Managing Director Ernest Mkhonta, during the visit of a delegation of Taiwanese investors to Eswatini.
The meeting was part of an ongoing effort to showcase the country’s infrastructure development and investment opportunities.
According to Gama, the Taiwanese government’s financial and technical support has played a critical role in the expansion of the electricity grid over the years, particularly in rural communities.
He noted that this partnership has enabled the EEC to accelerate its connections and improve access to electricity in line with the country’s development targets.
Gama told the delegation that Eswatini is now 88 percent electrified, a significant improvement compared to two decades ago.
The increase is attributed to coordinated efforts between the EEC, government ministries, and international partners such as Taiwan.
He explained that the remaining 12 percent of the population without access to electricity mainly live in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Electrifying these regions, he said, requires a combination of grid extension and alternative off-grid solutions.
Taiwan has been a key development partner to Eswatini in the energy sector. Over the years, its support has included direct funding for electrification projects, provision of equipment, and technical expertise.
The EEC indicated that the over E300 million contribution from Taiwan was channelled into expanding the national grid, upgrading infrastructure, and connecting new households.
These projects have helped improve living standards, create economic opportunities, and support public services such as schools and health facilities.
The Taiwanese investor delegation’s visit included meetings with various government departments, site inspections, and discussions on future collaboration.
The delegation was briefed on Eswatini’s investment climate, infrastructure status, and potential areas for private sector involvement.
During the presentation, Gama outlined how electrification contributes to the broader economic development agenda by enabling industrial growth, supporting small businesses, and improving quality of life for citizens.
The EEC says it remains committed to achieving 100 percent electrification. Current plans involve working with international financiers, including the World Bank, to address the remaining gap.
Projects under consideration include:
Extending the electricity grid to rural communities where infrastructure already exists nearby.
Installing mini-grids and solar systems in areas where grid connection is not feasible.
Upgrading existing lines to improve reliability and capacity.
Gama said that achieving universal access to electricity will not only benefit households but will also strengthen Eswatini’s competitiveness in attracting investment.
Electrification has direct and indirect economic benefits. Businesses gain extended operating hours, agricultural producers can store and process goods more efficiently, and schools and clinics can function with modern equipment.
The EEC has reported that areas connected to electricity experience improvements in productivity, health outcomes, and education performance.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, working alongside the EEC, has made rural electrification a policy priority.
This includes securing funding from partners, streamlining project implementation, and ensuring that electricity remains affordable and reliable.
The ministry has previously acknowledged Taiwan’s consistent support in energy projects, describing it as a partnership that has yielded tangible results for citizens.
Over the years, Taiwan’s funding has helped the EEC install transformers, build substations, and lay down kilometres of power lines.
Many of these projects were completed in rural constituencies where electricity access was previously non-existent.
These developments have supported government initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, increasing economic participation, and improving service delivery.
At 88 percent electrification, Eswatini ranks among the better-performing countries in Southern Africa in terms of energy access.
The EEC says it is on track to close the remaining gap within the next few years, provided funding and resources are secured.
Meanwhilen the EEC has encouraged the private sector to participate in the electrification agenda through investment in renewable energy, public-private partnerships, and provision of technical services.
Taiwanese companies have shown interest in exploring opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency technologies, and infrastructure supply.
The EEC’s announcement of Taiwan’s E300 million contribution and the achievement of 88 percent electrification underscores the impact of sustained international partnerships.
With continued cooperation, Eswatini aims to reach full electrification, expanding the benefits of energy access to every household in the country.
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