BY NOMTHANDAZO MAYISELA (INTERN)
SIKHUPHE– What started as an energy-saving upgrade at King Mswati III International Airport is now growing into an unexpected source of income for local farmers, nursery operators and small-scale agribusinesses across Eswatini.
The airport’s Phase 1 Environmental Sustainability Strategy (2025–2030) aims to cut energy consumption by up to 70% through LED lighting upgrades and expanded solar power systems. The project includes converting runway lighting from halogen to LED, installing solar-powered lighting across perimeter fences, aprons and parking areas, and developing a 2-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant to support long-term energy needs.
Beyond reducing electricity costs and improving efficiency, the changes are reshaping demand in the local economy. The airport’s shift towards green landscaping and environmental restoration is expected to significantly increase the need for indigenous trees, ornamental plants and related materials, creating a structured market for small-scale growers and youth-led enterprises.
ESWACAA Director of Airports, Fik’sile Dlamini, who oversees airport operations, said the initiative is designed to align infrastructure development with environmental responsibility and economic inclusion.
“This is about building a resilient, efficient and environmentally responsible airport that supports national development priorities while responding to global climate imperatives,” said Dlamini.
She added that the strategy also strengthens Eswatini’s alignment with international aviation sustainability standards while reducing long-term operational costs through lower energy use and maintenance demands.
The initiative supports national environmental efforts led by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, including the “plant a tree” campaign focused on biodiversity conservation, reforestation and sustainable land use practices.
Environmental observers say such projects are becoming increasingly important in Southern Africa, where climate change, land degradation and irregular rainfall continue to threaten agricultural productivity and ecosystems.
For local producers, however, the shift is already opening new pathways into formal supply chains linked to sustainability projects. Small businesses are now positioning themselves to benefit from institutional demand driven by green infrastructure development.
As Phase 1 unfolds, the airport is no longer only a transport hub, but also a driver of local economic participation through environmental investment.
For many emaSwati, the transformation signals something deeper that, growth is now taking root not only in infrastructure, but in the soil of opportunity.
#GreenEconomy #EswatiniDevelopment #SustainableGrowth #Agribusiness
(Courtesy Pic)
Post Views: 53
