Eswatini’s ambitions for energy security and leadership in renewable energy have received a significant boost with plans to expand the Maguga Hydropower Station to a total capacity of 53 megawatts (MW).
The Managing Director of the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), Ernest Mkhonta, confirmed that the utility has completed feasibility studies for two major hydropower projects at Maguga that could collectively add 33 megawatts (MW) to the country’s electricity generation capacity.
Addressing stakeholders during the 2025 edition of Standard Bank’s Energy Indaba, held under the critical theme: Championing Energy Security in Eswatini, Mkhonta said the EEC has already outlined a strategy to increase internal generation and reduce reliance on electricity imports.
Currently, Eswatini imports about 1,043 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually and produces only 316 GWh locally.
“We’ve identified that we can extend the existing power station by an additional 10 MW and build a new 23 MW power station downstream using the same water from the dam. This would raise Maguga’s total capacity to 53 MW.”
The announcement is part of EEC’s broader five-year strategy, which emphasizes financial sustainability, growth in generation, and improved energy security. According to Mkhonta, these hydropower projects have already passed the feasibility phase and are now seeking financing to start development.
“If these projects were operational today, we would not be experiencing the load-shedding we are currently facing,” he said. “This presents a viable opportunity for financial institutions to partner with us through project-based financing.”
The MD emphasized the importance of viewing these hydropower investments not only from EEC’s perspective but also in the context of national energy resilience and economic sustainability.
“We must not lose sight of the bigger picture,” he added. “Energy security is crucial for Eswatini’s economic growth and long-term competitiveness.”
While hydropower remains the foundation of EEC’s internal generation, solar energy is increasingly part of the energy mix.
The company has installed a solar plant in Lavumisa, generating 27 GWh annually, but Mkhonta pointed out the limitations of solar in its current form.
“Solar generation is only available during the day. At night or during extended cloud cover, that capacity disappears, placing strain on the grid and increasing generation costs due to poor load factors,” he explained.