Name of the Project
Tsamela solar PV project.

Location
Enduma, Motshane, in the Hhohho region of Eswatini, near Ngwenya.

Project Owner/s
The project is being developed by South African renewable-energy company Anthem, through Tsamela Solar. 

The Eswatini Electricity Company is the offtaker under a 25-year power purchase agreement. The Public Service Pension Fund is a strategic partner.

Project Description
The project is aimed at increasing Eswatini’s domestic generation capacity and reducing the country’s reliance on electricity imports. 

The project entails the development of a 20 MW utility-scale solar PV plant, which forms part of the Eswatini Electricity Regulatory Authority’s (ESERA’s) 75 MW solar PV procurement programme. It is the first of five planned renewable-energy independent power producer projects under the programme to reach financial close. 

The project will occupy about 44.8 ha and will comprise more than 37 000 bifacial solar panels. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate about 47 788 MWh of electricity in its first year.

Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to create about 150 jobs during construction and ten permanent jobs during operations.

Capital Expenditure
The project cost is estimated at more than E400-million. Debt financing is being led by Standard Bank Eswatini and Standard Bank South Africa, with 30% of the project equity allocated to Eswatini investors and 30% of the debt sourced locally.

Planned Start/End Date
The project was officially launched in December 2025. Construction started in May 2026. Commercial operations are expected within 15 months of construction start.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Alensy Energy Solutions (engineering, procurement and construction contractor); and Standard Bank Eswatini and Standard Bank South Africa (senior lenders).

Contact Details for Project Information
Anthem, tel +27 21 670 1400 or email info@anthem.co.za.