Eswatini has taken another important step toward strengthening its renewable energy sector with the launch of the 200 million Malangeni Nsoko Solar Power Plant. The project was officially inaugurated by Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Sikhumbuzo Dlamini at the Kamsholo Game Reserve. The 10 MW solar photovoltaic plant will be developed by Innovent Eswatini and is expected to play a key role in increasing the country’s domestic electricity generation.

The project will operate under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), with all electricity generated by the plant supplied to the national grid managed by the Eswatini Electricity Company. Once commissioned, the solar facility is expected to produce around 26 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity every year. This generation will meet approximately two percent of Eswatini’s total electricity demand and provide enough renewable energy to serve nearly 20,000 citizens annually.

Apart from expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity, the project is also expected to create employment opportunities for local communities. During the construction phase, around 80 temporary jobs will be generated. After the plant becomes operational, it will support 10 permanent full-time positions for plant operations, maintenance, and monitoring.

Government officials highlighted that the Nsoko Solar Power Plant is an important investment in improving Eswatini’s energy security. The country currently depends heavily on electricity imports, mainly from South Africa. Imported electricity accounts for about 65 percent of national demand during years with good rainfall and can rise to as much as 90 percent during droughts when hydroelectric generation is reduced.

The project is part of a wider renewable energy strategy led by the Eswatini Electricity Regulatory Authority to increase electricity generation from independent power producers. By expanding utility-scale solar projects, the government aims to reduce dependence on imported power, strengthen the reliability of the national electricity supply, promote sustainable economic development, and move closer to achieving long-term energy independence.