MBABANE – Eswatini is moving decisively to strengthen and modernise its electricity network.
Preparations are gathering momentum for the implementation of the E1.6 billion World Bank-funded Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) project, a flagship initiative expected to push the country closer to universal electricity access by 2030.
As part of the early groundwork, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, working with the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) as the implementing agency, has invited local and international firms to participate in an Early Market Engagement (EME) session for an upcoming high-value procurement package under the ASCENT project.
The EME session, scheduled for February 4, 2026, will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. It is designed to engage potential bidders at an early stage of the procurement process, enabling government and EEC to gather market insights, refine bidding documents and ensure the procurement process attracts qualified, competitive and experienced suppliers.
ASCENT Eswatini is the ninth phase of the regional ASCENT programme developed by the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa. The project has secured a financing package comprising US$39 million (over E625 million) in concessional funding from the International Development Association, a US$51 million (E821.9 million) loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and a US$10 million (E161 million) performance-based grant from the Livable Planet Fund.
With this support, Eswatini is expected to be among a small group of African countries on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7, which focuses on affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, while also increasing the share of renewable energy in its national energy mix.
According to the invitation issued by EEC on the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) website, the engagement aims to improve the attractiveness of the procurement process, enhance technical specifications, clarify contract terms and risk allocation, and identify innovative technologies and solutions available in the market.
The session will also provide an opportunity to assess current pricing trends, supply chain risks and opportunities, as well as encourage greater diversity among potential suppliers, including new market entrants.
The ASCENT project itself represents a major investment in Eswatini’s power sector.
It seeks to rehabilitate the distribution network in existing grid-connected areas across selected towns, construct new transmission lines and substations and modernise transmission and distribution systems in various parts of the country.
These interventions are expected to significantly improve the reliability, efficiency and resilience of the national electricity network.
Beyond infrastructure upgrades, the project is anchored in a broader national vision of inclusive development. A new World Bank-financed programme, ASCENT is designed to help Eswatini reach the remaining 12 per cent of the population that still lacks access to electricity, with a particular focus on remote and disadvantaged communities.
“This initiative is about the people of Eswatini, ensuring that every liSwati has access to electricity,” Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla said.
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