By: Ecofin Agency

Eswatini has started construction of a 10 MW solar plant that will help increase domestic electricity supply and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported power.

The Nsoko photovoltaic plant, developed by French renewable energy company InnoVent, represents an investment of about 200 million lilangenis ($12.3 million). Construction officially began on August 6, and the facility is expected to produce nearly 26 GWh of electricity a year.

According to the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), the plant will generate enough electricity to meet the equivalent consumption of more than 20,000 people. Construction is expected to create more than 80 jobs, while 10 permanent positions are planned once the facility becomes operational.

Nsoko is part of Eswatini’s national 75 MW solar photovoltaic program, developed with independent power producers. The initiative stems from a government decision in 2018 and seeks to increase local generation while reducing dependence on external electricity supplies.

“Today's milestone demonstrates the confidence that investors continue to place in Eswatini's energy sector,” ESERA Chief Executive Skhumbuzo Tsabedze said at the launch of construction.

Reducing Dependence on Imported Power

The new capacity comes as Eswatini remains heavily dependent on electricity imports. During the 2024/25 financial year, Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) generated 281 GWh from its own power plants, while imports reached 978.6 GWh.

That imbalance makes additional domestic generation an important part of the country’s energy strategy. The progressive commissioning of projects under the 75 MW solar program is expected to expand local electricity supply and reduce Eswatini’s exposure to the cost of purchasing power from regional suppliers.