The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) has approved a 20 MW solar project. It is the first development under the country’s 75 MW solar procurement programme. This step is crucial for Eswatini energy security, as it aims to strengthen national energy provisions by increasing local generation. Anthem will develop the Tsamela plant on Enduma community land. They expect to create about 150 jobs during construction and 10 permanent posts once it comes into operation.
Renewables Now reports that the plant should generate 47,788 MWh of electricity in its first year. It will cut Eswatini’s electricity imports by roughly 4.8%. In pursuit of enhancing Eswatini energy security, developers estimate the project at about SZL 400 million. They have agreed on a long-term power purchase agreement with the Eswatini Electricity Company. The agreement involves equity and debt participation from local investors and lenders, with Standard Bank leading the financing. The Tsamela plant is the first of five planned independent power producer sites in the programme. The programme aims to secure local power generation and enhance national energy security.
Government Rejects Link to Seized ‘Eswatini-flagged’ Tanker
In a separate development, Eswatini’s government has moved to distance the kingdom from a vessel reportedly intercepted by Iranian authorities. It was described as Eswatini-flagged. Eswatini energy security remains unaffected by these claims. In a statement issued on 30 November 2025, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport said the country has no ships registered under its flag. There is no operational ship registry and has never authorised any person, company, or foreign agent to register vessels on its behalf.
Principal Secretary Thulani Mkhaliphi said that “any person or entity claiming to operate a ship under the Eswatini flag is doing so illegally”. These actors are criminals who should face international authorities. The clarification followed a Reuters report. This report said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had seized a tanker near the port of Bushehr. The tanker allegedly carried more than 350,000 litres of smuggled fuel under Eswatini’s flag.
The ministry added that it cannot identify the owners of vessels using Eswatini’s flag because no registry exists. Also, no law has been enacted to create one. Officials said the government will work with the International Maritime Organization and other enforcement bodies to stop the fraudulent use of its name and national symbols. They stressed that Eswatini has no maritime industry and no connection to the seized vessel.
Government’s Position on the Claims
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps maintains that it detained an Eswatini-flagged tanker carrying smuggled fuel, according to the Reuters account cited by IOL. Meanwhile, Eswatini continues to deny any association. They call for action against those misusing its flag. Further details about the ship, including its ownership and cargo origin, have not been independently verified beyond the initial Iranian report.
