EIGHT categories will recognise clean energy innovation as the country prepares to host more than 800 regional delegates in March.
Local innovators, businesses and organisations working in sustainable energy will have an opportunity to compete for regional recognition when the country hosts the 2027 SADC Sustainable Energy Week in Ezulwini.
The awards programme will recognise individuals, organisations and projects contributing to sustainable energy development across Southern Africa, with eight categories covering renewable energy, efficiency, finance, clean cooking and access to electricity.
According to promotional material shared by the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), applications are scheduled to open today and close on November 20.
The awards form part of the regional energy gathering scheduled for March 15 to 19, 2027, which is expected to bring together more than 800 delegates from the 16 SADC Member States, including government officials, investors, utilities, regulators, development partners and energy innovators.
The event will be hosted by the ministry of natural resources and energy in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat and the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE).
The awards categories are the Solar Thermal Champion Award, Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award, Outstanding Independent Power Producer (IPP) or Private Sector Developer Award, Sustainable Energy Finance Innovator Award, Inclusive Energy Leadership Award, Clean Cooking and Sustainable Bioenergy Award, Youth Sustainable Energy Champion Award, and Energy Access and Social Impact Champion Award.
The categories provide an opportunity for local businesses, community initiatives, young innovators and energy professionals to showcase solutions that could be adopted elsewhere in the region.
For the country, hosting the event also provides a platform to showcase local energy initiatives while engaging potential investors and development partners.
The conference will focus on unlocking investment, expanding access to sustainable energy and strengthening energy security across the region.
Discussions are expected to cover renewable energy, regional electricity trade, energy efficiency, clean cooking and financing for energy projects.
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela said the discussions should translate into investment and projects that improve people’s lives.
He said the week would also feature exhibitions, investment discussions, networking opportunities and technical visits to showcase sustainable energy solutions.
The awards intend to recognise practical contributions to the region’s energy transition, while encouraging further innovation and knowledge-sharing among governments, businesses, civil society and communities.
“Our discussions should focus on unlocking greater investment in renewable energy, expanding regional electricity interconnections, strengthening energy security, promoting energy efficiency, advancing clean cooking solutions, mobilising climate finance, encouraging technology transfer, empowering women and youth in the energy sector, and accelerating the implementation of projects that deliver tangible benefits to our people,” Prince Lonkhokhela said.
