How EU cash for renewable energy boosts growth and jobs

The European Union is giving Eswatini’s businesses a green boost with a $886,689 (15 million emalangeni) grant. This funding is all about helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) switch to renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions, making businesses not only more sustainable but also more profitable while strengthening the country’s energy resilience and green investments.

Why are we excited about this? This four-year initiative from 2025 to 2028, known as the Catalysing Renewable Energy Access and Transition in Eswatini Project, is not just about clean energy. It is about jobs, growth, and securing a brighter future for businesses. Smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and manufacturers are getting a chance to integrate renewable energy into their operations, ensuring they stay powered up and competitive.

So, who stands to benefit? If you are in the renewable energy sector, from solar PV technicians to installers, this is your moment. Green entrepreneurs and agribusiness professionals will also find opportunities, with solar-powered irrigation and agritech solutions creating new possibilities. Those in finance and business development should also take note, as there will be increasing demand for grant writing and fundraising expertise in sustainability projects.

But it does not stop there. The EU and Eswatini partnership is focused on building skills for the future, with a strong emphasis on hands-on training and technical and vocational education programmes to equip young professionals with the green skills that industries need. Entrepreneurs, financial institutions, policymakers, and regulators are all being called to take part in making this transition a success.

If you are looking to build a career in renewable energy, now is the time to pay attention. Opportunities are on the rise, and the future is looking greener than ever!

 Upcoming events in the renewable energy sector

Staying ahead in the green industry means connecting with the right people, gaining fresh insights, and exploring new opportunities. Grow your network and gain knowledge on the sector with these upcoming energy events:

• Cape Town, South Africa | Africa Energy Forum (AEF) | June 17–20, 2025 – Africa United

• Africa Energies Summit | Africa’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | May 13–15, 2025

• Cape Town, South Africa | Enlit Africa | May 20–22, 2024

• Mauritius | Clean Energy Week 2025 | May 13, 2025