Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s long-term energy security is set to take a major step forward as discussions for a 10-year power-purchasing agreement (PPA) with South Africa near completion.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, on Saturday, 29 November 2025, during a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini by South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramakgopa.
The announcement came as Prince Lonkhokhela formally introduced Dr Ramakgopa’s high-level delegation, alongside senior Eswatini energy officials, to the Prime Minister at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini. He noted that finalising this decade-long PPA with the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) and the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) forms part of the broader bilateral efforts to secure reliable, long-term electricity supply for both countries.
During the meeting with the South African minister at Summerfield Botanical Gardens in Matsapha a day earlier, Prince Lonkhokhela highlighted several critical developments currently shaping Eswatini’s energy landscape. Chief among them is the country’s ambitious power generation expansion plan, which targets an additional 1 500 MW over the coming years.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the minister revealed that 18 prospective power producers are already under review, with three new power plants expected to launch in December. These projects, he said, demonstrate Eswatini’s commitment to gradually reducing reliance on imports while positioning the country as a potential future electricity exporter.
The minister further noted that private companies in Eswatini are expressing interest in selling electricity to South Africa once local generation capacity increases. Such developments would not only strengthen regional energy trade but also create opportunities for skills development, technical training, and capacity building. Prince Lonkhokhela referenced lessons from major South African power stations such as Medupi and Kusile, highlighting their value in shaping future cooperation on engineering and project management training.
Another significant element of the discussions centred on MOTRACO, the joint trilateral electricity transmission company linking Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa. Prince Lonkhokhela explained that the anchor agreements for the 400 kV transmission line are due to expire in 2026. Eswatini is keen not only to renew these agreements but also to explore ways of improving efficiencies, enhancing grid stability, and maximising shared infrastructure benefits.
Dr Ramakgopa’s delegation to Eswatini included senior South African energy experts and government officials: Adviser Mr Jacobus de la Rouviere, Chief Director for Energy Ms Elizabeth Marabwa, Communications Lead Mr Makhosonke Buthelezi, Spokesperson Ms Tsakane Khambane, Protocol Officer Princess Nxumalo, and NTCSA/Eskom Chief Executive Officer Mr Monde Bala.
The delegation is expected to pay a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Dlamini to further advance discussions on regional energy priorities, cross-border electricity collaboration, and future infrastructure investments.
As Eswatini and South Africa deepen cooperation at ministerial level, both nations expressed optimism that their energy partnership will not only strengthen national supply systems but also contribute to long-term regional stability and economic growth.
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