MBABANE:The European Union(EU) has announced R15million in support of eSwatini businesses within the Small and Medium Enterprise(SME) sector, a grant that seeks to assist eSwatini small businesses in adopting renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions.
Dr. Thambo Gina,the Minister of Economic Planning and Development was present during the signing of the agreement, others include Karsten Mecklenburg, the EU Ambassador to eSwatini and United Nations Development Program(UNDP) Resident Representative Henrik Franklin who emphasized the importance of empowering women-led MSMEs while ensuring that, at least 40% of supported businesses are women-owned or led.
On another note, the project seeks to assist eSwatini achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) particularly Goal number(7) seeking to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030, focusing on universal access, increasing renewable energy share, and improving energy efficiency.
European Union(EU) pumps-in R15million in support of eSwatini Small and Medium Enterprises(SME) businesses, grant to assist in adopting renewable energy solutions(pic: UNDP).