The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) has announced plans to upgrade the Maguga Hydro Power Plant to strengthen national energy security.
The transformative project is set to change the country’s energy landscape and increase local electricity generation by 13%.
This is according to a press statement released by the EEC following a visit to the infrastructure by Pemmy Majodina, who was in the country over the weekend. Majodina was in Eswatini for the signing of the Komati Basin Water Authority Treaty, which further strengthens ties between the two nations.
The minister praised the facility as a brilliant example of regional collaboration and sustainable infrastructure.
She highlighted that the project reflects the deep spirit of partnership between Eswatini and South Africa, suggesting that such initiatives should serve as a model for other countries across the Southern African region.
The visit comes at a pivotal time for Eswatini’s energy sector. The planned 13% boost is a critical step toward helping the nation reduce its longstanding reliance on imported power from South Africa. This strategic move also aligns with growing calls from Parliament for the country to become more self-sufficient in energy production.
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Mafutseni Member of Parliament Sabelo Mtetwa recently appealed to the ministry of economic planning and development to assist the EEC in this mission.
He made the appeal during the ministry’s 2025/26 annual performance report presentation before the portfolio committee last week, where he advocated strongly for the country to generate its own power.
Mtetwa pointed out that Eswatini possesses natural resources such as coal, and noted that several existing projects currently ‘hanging’ could be completed to help the nation stand on its own regarding electricity generation.
Regarding the impact of the facility and the partnership, Majodina stated:
“This project reflects the spirit of partnership between Eswatini and South Africa, and such initiatives can serve as a model for other countries across the Southern African region.”
Meanwhile, government is also taking steps to ensure that these energy shifts do not place an undue burden on the public. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini announced that Cabinet has resolved to cushion the energy regulator with a E200 million special fund.
This financial injection into the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) means that the previously announced electricity tariff increase of 13.61% will be reduced, providing much-needed relief to consumers.
The funds will be provided in two phases of E100 million each in 2026 and 2027.
The regulator will work with the EEC to determine how the money can help reduce the impact of the tariff increase and prevent sharp future adjustments.
Additional Context
The planned upgrade of the Maguga Hydro Power Plant signals a broader strategic push toward energy independence, which could stabilise supply, reduce import costs, and strengthen economic resilience.
