Eswatini Launches 20 MW Tsamela Solar PV Project To Boost Local Power Generation

Eswatini marked a major step in its renewable energy journey with the official site launch of the 20 MW Tsamela Solar PV Plant, the first project under the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority’s 75 MW Solar PV procurement programme. The project is aimed at increasing local power generation and strengthening the country’s energy security by reducing reliance on electricity imports.

The launch event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including HRH Princess Sibahle, HRH Acting Chief Princess Salaphi, the Member of Parliament for Motshane, senior government officials, and executives from ESERA and the Eswatini Electricity Company. Representatives from Standard Bank, the project developer Anthem, and other key stakeholders were also present, reflecting broad institutional and community support for the project.

Addressing the gathering, HRH Acting Chief Princess Salaphi welcomed the project to Enduma and expressed pride in the community hosting Eswatini’s first Independent Power Producer of this scale and nature. She highlighted the importance of the project not only for the local area but also for the country’s overall development.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy called on the Enduma community to protect and support the solar plant and to treat it as a national asset. The minister noted that how communities care for such investments plays a critical role in building investor confidence and encouraging future power generation projects across the Kingdom.

Project developer Anthem, represented by Mr Richard Gordon, confirmed that the Tsamela Solar PV Project will place strong emphasis on local participation. The project is expected to create around 150 jobs during the construction phase and about 10 permanent jobs once operations begin, providing both short-term and long-term employment opportunities for local residents.

The project will operate under a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Eswatini Electricity Company. Construction is scheduled to begin in late January or February 2026, with commercial operations expected by July or August 2027. The total project cost is estimated at over E400 million, with debt financing led by Standard Bank. Notably, 30 percent of the project’s equity will be held by Eswatini investors, and 30 percent of the debt will be sourced locally.

Once operational, the plant is expected to generate 47,788 MWh of electricity in its first year, offsetting around 4.8 percent of Eswatini’s electricity imports, based on the 2025 EEC Integrated Report. ESERA’s leadership described the project as the result of rigorous processes, strong partnerships, and national commitment. The Tsamela project is the first of five planned renewable energy IPP projects, with additional solar plants set to be developed across different regions of Eswatini.