The Kingdom of Eswatini has taken a major step toward formalizing its renewable energy market with the launch of the Eswatini Solar PV Installer Accreditation Programme on October 31, 2025. The programme, a pioneering partnership between ESERA and DIVT, aims to build a trusted, resilient, and sustainable solar energy future for the country.
Collaborative Framework and Industry Need
The accreditation programme directly addresses vital challenges within the growing solar industry, mainly the lack of regulation among local installers. Unregulated installations have previously caused risks to grid stability and consumer appliance safety. Additionally, banking and insurance sectors have faced difficulties in approving loans or insurance for systems installed by unaccredited professionals, highlighting the need for quality assurance and professional recognition.
In his remarks, Simphiwe Khumalo, the ESERA Acting Chief Executive Officer, outlined the main vision behind the accreditation programme, emphasizing its role in establishing credibility and consumer trust.
The initiative began with stakeholder consultations in 2023 to identify industry gaps, followed by a partnership with Green Solar Academy in 2024 to develop the concept note and roadmap. ESERA has invested over E1.5 million in developing the program, including establishing a National PV Assessment Center at DIVT. This facility is fully equipped with training roofs, inverters, modules, and testing tools, serving as the national benchmark for skills assessment.
Core Goals and Expected Outcomes
The programme’s goals are diverse, aiming to establish a professional and credible solar market:
• Standardization and Compliance: To develop a nationally recognized accreditation system for solar PV installers, ensuring adherence to both national and international standards.
• Capacity Building: To empower technicians and engineers through structured training and to train and certify local assessors and trainers. Five experienced professionals from the Technical Working Group underwent extensive training in South Africa to become qualified local assessors.
• Consumer Trust and Protection: To boost consumer confidence in the solar market by ensuring only qualified professionals perform installations. ESERA will publish a National Register of Accredited Solar Installers on its website, allowing consumers, developers, and financiers to verify credentials easily.
• Economic Development: To create decent jobs and meaningful career paths for Emaswati, supporting the “just energy transition” by ensuring workers and communities are not left behind.
This programme is a key step in implementing the country’s National Energy Policy of 2018 and the Energy Masterplan to 2050, while also supporting commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
First Cohort and Future Growth
The launch featured the recognition of the first group of accredited Solar PV Mounters and Installers in 2025. A total of 51 participants completed a rigorous three-day assessment that included theory, practical exercises, and real-world application. Successful graduates must hold at least a Grade III Electrical Wireman Trade Test Certificate, demonstrating a solid background in electrical work and safety standards.
Looking ahead, ESERA plans to introduce higher accreditation levels: Level 4 for Three-Phase Installers and Level 5 for Design Engineers and Technologists. This progression will create a clear career pathway from entry-level technicians to advanced engineers within the solar industry.
Partnerships and Support
The programme’s success relies on strong collaboration with key partners, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, DIVT, and Green Solar Academy. It also received vital international support, with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the U.S. Embassy significantly contributing to the Solar PV Installation and Maintenance project through the Health and Rural Electrification for Africa (HETA) initiative. The Taiwan Technical Mission specifically provided essential equipment for training.
Gabisile Mabuza, Under Secretary for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, expressed her views on the Eswatini Solar PV Installer Accreditation Program, noting that “the Solar Installer Training and Certification Programme offers a significant opportunity for Eswatini to build technical capacity in response to the growing demand for solar energy.” She called the launch “a defining milestone in our journey towards a clean energy economy that is equitable, inclusive, secure, and sustainable.”
Emphasizing collaboration, she added, “Today, we witness strong cooperation between ESERA and DIVT, supported by development partners and industry stakeholders.” In her closing remarks, she appreciated the efforts of all involved, stating, “I wish to commend the management and staff of both ESERA and DIVT for their dedication. I also extend my gratitude to the Taiwan Technical Mission for providing the equipment to support the training.”
With the official launch of the accreditation program, Eswatini is building a legacy of skills development, professionalism, and renewable energy excellence, striving for a brighter, cleaner, and more empowered nation, one accredited solar installer at a time.
Maqakala Dlamini, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training (DIVT), delivered a speech during the certificate awarding ceremony for the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation and Maintenance project, marking a major milestone.
“Today, as we award certificates to our graduates, we are not just recognizing individual achievement. We are also celebrating the start of a new chapter for Eswatini’s renewable energy sector—one built on competence, regulation, and collaboration. Our graduates are ready to contribute to energy access, economic development, and environmental sustainability, lighting the way toward a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future.”