Motshane – The Kingdom of Eswatini has officially launched the Anthem Tsamela Solar Project, marking a historic milestone in the country’s energy transition. The event took place yesterday at Ndumo under the Motshane Inkhundla, with Honourable Minister HRH Prince Lonkhokhela presiding over the ceremony. This project is the first Independent Power Producer (IPP) under Eswatini’s 75 MW procurement programme, a key part of the Kingdom’s efforts to reduce its reliance on imported power.
The initiative dates back to 2018 when the government launched a competitive tender aimed at addressing the nation’s heavy dependence on electricity imports, which fluctuate between 65% in wet years and 90% in dry years due to the variability of hydro-power. The Anthem Tsamela Solar Project, despite delays, is now moving forward under the direction of His Majesty King Mswati III, as part of the broader plan to secure the nation’s energy future.
With a financial injection of E 400 million, the project will fund the construction of a 20 MW solar photovoltaic plant. This is expected to generate 48 GWh of electricity annually, which will meet approximately 4% of the country’s current energy demand. The project is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), ensuring a stable revenue stream and contributing to long-term energy security.
During the construction phase, which is set to begin in January 2026, the project will create around 150 local jobs. Once operational, the plant will sustain 10 permanent jobs for the next 25 years, offering stable income opportunities for Emaswati workers. The community benefits extend beyond employment, with Tsamela Solar committed to replacing the existing local soccer field that will be impacted by construction, and supporting a food kitchen for orphaned and vulnerable children in the area.
The construction timeline is slated for an initial 18 months, though Minister HRH Prince Lonkhokhela has challenged the project team to accelerate the schedule to 15 months. If successful, the solar plant will begin commercial operations by April 2027. The solar facility is expected to play a crucial role in helping Eswatini diversify its energy mix, reduce its dependence on imported electricity, and ensure a sustainable energy supply to power factories, schools, hospitals, and households across the country.
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