- First project to achieve financial close under ESERA’s 75 MW solar procurement programme.
- 20 MW solar plant expected to generate nearly 47,800 MWh in its first year of operation.
- Project aims to strengthen Eswatini’s energy security and reduce reliance on imported electricity.
Anthem has achieved financial close on the 20 MW Tsamela Solar Project in eSwatini, marking the first project to reach this milestone under the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority’s solar procurement programme (ESERA).
Located in the Hhohho Region near Ngwenya, the utility scale solar facility will occupy 44.8 hectares and will incorporate more than 37,000 bifacial solar panels. The project forms part of Eswatini’s broader strategy to improve energy security and reduce dependence on imported electricity.
The Eswatini Electricity Company has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement for the project, which is expected to deliver approximately 47,788 MWh of electricity during its first year of operation.
Construction will be undertaken by Alensy Energy Solutions, with commercial operations targeted within 15 months and expected in 2027.
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Financing for the project has been provided by Standard Bank Eswatini and Standard Bank South Africa as senior lenders, with participation from the Public Service Pension Fund.
Anthem, the renewable energy platform backed by Norfund and KLP and launched in September 2025, said the project represents a major milestone for independent power production in Eswatini.
The Tsamela Solar Project is the first of five planned independent power producer sites being developed under ESERA’s 75 MW solar procurement programme.
Eswatini continues to rely heavily on imported electricity, which accounted for more than 80% of national electricity consumption in 2025. The new solar project is expected to play a key role in diversifying the country’s energy mix and strengthening domestic generation capacity.
In addition to its energy contribution, the project is expected to create around 150 jobs during the construction phase and 10 permanent operational positions once completed.
The project was officially launched in December 2025 in the presence of government representatives, project stakeholders and members of the Royal family.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
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