Eswatini Launches 20MW Tsamela Solar PV Plant, First Project Under 75MW ESERA Solar Program, Creating 150 Jobs During Construction

Eswatini reached a historic milestone on Friday with the official launch of the 20MW Tsamela Solar PV Plant, marking the first project under ESERA’s 75MW Solar PV procurement programme. The project brings to life the Authority’s mandate to boost local power generation and enhance national energy security. The launch event was attended by HRH Princess Sibahle, HRH Acting Chief Princess Salaphi, the MP for Motshane, senior government officials, executives from ESERA and the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), representatives from Standard Bank, the project developer Anthem, and other key stakeholders.

In her remarks, HRH Acting Chief Princess Salaphi welcomed the project to Enduma and expressed the community’s pride in hosting Eswatini’s first Independent Power Producer of this scale. The Honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Energy encouraged the Enduma community to protect, support, and take ownership of the plant as a national asset, noting that community care for such investments influences investor confidence and can unlock further power generation projects across the Kingdom.

Project developer Richard Gordon of Anthem emphasized the partnership, confirming that the Tsamela project will prioritize local employment, creating approximately 150 jobs during construction and 10 permanent positions during operations. The project includes a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the EEC. Construction is scheduled to begin in late January or February 2026, with commercial operation expected by July or August 2027. The project cost exceeds E400 million, with debt financing led by Standard Bank. Thirty percent of equity is allocated to Eswatini investors, and 30% of the debt is sourced locally.

In its first year, the plant is expected to generate 47,788 MWh, offsetting approximately 4.8% of Eswatini’s electricity imports, according to the 2025 EEC Integrated Report. In his address, the ESERA CEO highlighted the significance of the project, stating that power procurement is a journey and that the launch reflects rigorous processes, negotiation, community trust, and national commitment to increasing domestic electricity generation.

The ESERA Board Chair also congratulated the Enduma community for being the first to participate in such a project in the country. The Tsamela Solar PV Plant is the first of five planned renewable energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) sites. Upcoming projects include Innovent’s 10MW plant at Nsoko, Voltalia’s 15MW plant at Ndzevane, Sturdee Energy’s 15MW plant at Bhalekane, and another 15MW project at Ngwenya.