MBABANE – Eswatini has signalled its intention to seriously consider nuclear energy as part of its future energy mix.
This was noted during the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) 2026, held in Ghana, where delegates were told that building national capability must come before any infrastructure.
Eswatini was represented at the summit by Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Under Secretary-Technical Gabsile Mabuza, who delivered the ministerial statement on behalf of Minister Prince Lonkhokhela. She was accompanied by Director of Energy Thabile Nkosi.
In her address, Mabuza emphasised that Eswatini views nuclear energy as one option worthy of rigorous investigation, alongside renewables, energy storage and regional electricity trade.
However, she stressed a deliberate approach, telling delegates: ‘Before we build nuclear infrastructure, we must build nuclear capability.’
“Nuclear reactors can be procured; sustainable national capability cannot,” the statement read, underscoring the kingdom’s priority to develop human and institutional capacity first.
Eswatini is not entirely new to the peaceful applications of nuclear science. Since becoming an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) member State in 2013, Eswatini has progressively strengthened engagement through technical cooperation in safety, health, agriculture, water resources and energy planning.
The Kingdom is also finalising a Nuclear Bill and has signed a Country Programme Framework with the IAEA for 2024–2029.
The summit, themed ‘Building and Sustaining Africa’s Nuclear Workforce,’ provided a platform for Eswatini to listen, learn and build partnerships with the United States, African nations and international nuclear institutions.
At the summit, Eswatini also emphasised its connectivity to the Southern African Power Pool and growing renewable-energy ambitions as foundations for a responsible approach. Mabuza, who has previously represented Eswatini at regional energy and water sector forums, invited international partners to walk the journey with the kingdom as it carefully assesses nuclear energy’s role in securing a sustainable energy future.
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