Eswatini Accelerates Towards Universal Energy Access with ASCENT Project

Eswatini Launches ASCENT Project to Achieve Universal Energy Access by 2030 with $100 Million World Bank Support.

In a major step towards ensuring universal energy access, Eswatini has launched the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) project, backed by $100 million in financing from the World Bank. The project targets connecting the remaining 12% of the population to electricity by 2030, with a focus on remote and disadvantaged communities.

The initiative, which builds on the ongoing Network Reinforcement and Access Project, aligns with Eswatini's Rural Electrification Plan and National Energy Policy 2018. It aims to provide electricity access to 200,000 people, including 50,000 new household connections within five years—a 20% increase from the 249,014 households connected in 2023.

The ASCENT project integrates grid and off-grid solutions to reach underserved rural areas, creating new economic opportunities and improving quality of life. It also incorporates technical assessments and capacity-building initiatives to enhance energy security and the financial sustainability of the sector.

The $100 million in financing comprises $39 million in concessional funding from the International Development Association (IDA), a $51 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and a $10 million performance-based grant from the Livable Planet Fund (LPF1).

Speaking on the project, Deputy Prime Minister Honorable Thulisile Dladla emphasized Eswatini's commitment to universal access, referencing the country's endorsement of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit. Minister of Economic Planning and Development Honorable Thambo Gina highlighted the project's potential to drive economic growth through sustainable and inclusive energy solutions.

The ASCENT Eswatini initiative marks the ninth phase of the World Bank's ASCENT program for Eastern and Southern Africa, positioning Eswatini among a select group of African nations on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) by 2030.