Eswatini’s Project Manager discusses the benefits of electricity in rural Eswatini and how partnerships can help scale minigrid development.
Each month, the Africa Minigrids Program spotlights an individual from one of the participating countries who has been working tirelessly to advance the initiative at the regional or national level.
April’s Champion of the Month, Saneliso Makhanya, works with the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) and local partners to implement AMP Eswatini. In the video, he details his experience to date, and some of the expectations he hopes will come to fruition.
Q: What’s your story—how did you end up working in the clean energy industry?
A: I work for the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), which is responsible for the AMP Eswatini Project. I was hired to lead the national project.
Q: Briefly describe your role and involvement with AMP so far.
A: I am the Project Manager for the AMP Eswatini Project.
Q: What excites you most about the potential of AMP, specifically in your country?
A: Minigrids are at a nascent stage in the country; hence, taking part in and leading the pilot project is the most exciting part, as we learn by doing. The outcome of this pilot will be part of the recommendations for upscaling in the country.
Q: What is one thing you want people to know about minigrids and access to electricity?
A: Minigrids supply reliable and clean energy in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).