The SADC Sustainable Energy Week is set to be held in Eswatini in 2027, with UNDP Eswatini congratulating the Government of Eswatini for being awarded the rights to host the regional event, marking the country’s involvement in the official launch of preparations held at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini.
Eswatini’s hosting rights for the 2027 edition were formally confirmed following the conclusion of the 2026 SADC Sustainable Energy Week, held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from 23 to 27 February. During the closing ceremony of the 2026 event, Zimbabwe’s Vice President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, formally handed over future hosting rights to Eswatini’s Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, symbolising the continuity of the regional platform as it moves to its next host nation.
The SADC Sustainable Energy Week serves as a key annual platform for the region’s renewable energy and energy efficiency sector, bringing together government ministries, policymakers, regulators, private sector investors, development finance institutions, and technical experts from across the Southern African Development Community. The event focuses on critical themes such as policy and enabling environments, financing, grid integration, energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, clean cooking, and energy storage, positioning it as a central forum for advancing the region’s clean energy transition.
Hosting the 2027 edition presents a significant opportunity for Eswatini to showcase its renewable energy potential, attract foreign direct investment, and strengthen its position within regional energy frameworks, while also reflecting the country’s broader development vision of positioning itself as a competitive, forward-looking economy driven by sustainable infrastructure and strategic regional cooperation.
The 2026 edition in Victoria Falls, themed “Driving Regional Economic Growth Through Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency,” concluded with the release of an outcome statement acknowledging persistent challenges around energy availability, accessibility and affordability, particularly in rural areas, while setting out priorities including fast-tracking regional interconnectors, accelerating universal energy access, harmonising cross-border policy frameworks, and leveraging critical minerals and green hydrogen to support a diversified energy transition.
With the baton now officially passed, Eswatini is expected to build on the momentum generated in Zimbabwe as it begins preparations for the 2027 event. The launch in Ezulwini brought together government officials, energy sector leaders, and key stakeholders to mark the beginning of this planning process, setting the stage for what is expected to be a significant platform for showcasing renewable energy projects, promoting cross-border energy trade, and mobilising investment into clean energy infrastructure across the region.