Powering Up Africa’s Energy Future: Prince Lonkhokhela Advocates for Collaboration and Transparency at Africa Energy Forum

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – Eswatini’s Honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, has called for deeper collaboration between public and private stakeholders and enhanced project transparency to accelerate energy development across Africa.

Speaking at the 27th Africa Energy Forum (AEF), held from June 17–20, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, His Royal Highness joined over 2,000 delegates from 80 countries under the unifying theme: “Africa United.” The event brings together ministers, government leaders, energy companies, financiers, and regulators to forge partnerships and catalyze investment into Africa’s growing energy sector.

Representing Eswatini, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ms. Thabile Nkosi (Director of Energy), Mr. Ernest Mkhonta (Managing Director of the Eswatini Electricity Company), Mr. Skhumbuzo Tsabedze (CEO of the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority), and other senior officials from the Eswatini government, EEC, and ESERA.

Championing Collaboration and Bankability

During a closed-door ministerial session titled “Accelerating the Pace of Projects,” HRH Prince Lonkhokhela stressed that Africa must streamline project development processes by encouraging early and open dialogue between governments, regulators, and private sector players.

“To fast-track project implementation, we must strengthen collaboration between the public and private sector, leveraging each other’s strengths,” he stated.

He further emphasized the need to conduct thorough environmental and regulatory assessments upfront, to avoid bureaucratic delays during project approvals. Drawing lessons from Eswatini’s energy procurement experience, the Hon. Minister outlined how stakeholder consultations and upfront evaluation of project bankability can reduce the lag between project award and financial close.

“Bringing government and financiers into early discussions during the preparation of project documents is critical,” he noted. “It ensures alignment and reduces review cycles.”

Building Local Capacity

Prince Lonkhokhela also called for African nations to invest in building diverse and experienced national teams that can work alongside Transaction Advisors. These teams, he said, would improve the speed and quality of negotiations, thereby avoiding prolonged back-and-forths that often stall energy deals.

The Minister’s participation underscored Eswatini’s active role in shaping Africa’s energy agenda, positioning the Kingdom as a committed player in regional development, energy reform, and investment mobilization.

As the forum continues, Eswatini’s delegation is expected to engage with international investors, showcase its energy reforms, and explore new avenues for partnerships aimed at unlocking the country’s renewable and grid infrastructure potential.