Barriers and opportunities to incremental innovation in the energy sector of Eswatini

Abstract

The energy sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and enhancing innovation. This sector is constantly evolving, developing programs and services that foster innovation. However, in Africa, the energy sector is still in its infancy, facing challenges that hinder development and innovation. Given this context, this study investigated barriers and drivers of incremental innovation in Eswatini's energy sector. Two key objectives were set: investigating barriers to incremental innovation in Eswatini's energy sector and identifying factors that could drive it. This study adopted the Technology-Organisational-Environment (TOE) framework as a guiding theory. A qualitative approach was employed to gather insights from 14 professionals purposively sampled from the sector. The findings of this research revealed that the barriers were primarily due to policy and governance issues, economic constraints, resource limitations, knowledge gaps, and human capital deficiencies. Furthermore, the absence of adaptive decision-making processes leads to ineffective decision-making and delays in the energy sector. Conversely, factors driving incremental innovation include sustainable finance, education, and global policy alignment. Good governance is a key factor in driving innovation in Eswatini's energy sector by creating a stable environment for business growth and incremental innovation. It is recommended that policymakers develop a flexible framework capable of adapting to evolving global policy landscapes, incorporating targeted incentives to stimulate investment and promote sustainable practices within the energy sector. This approach would foster incremental innovation, competition, and environmental sustainability.