BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini has officially launched the Solar PV Installer Accreditation Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening local capacity, promoting professionalism, and ensuring safety and quality in the growing solar energy sector.
The launch took place today October 31,2025 at Mountain View, following a tour at the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training (DIVT) in Mbabane, which included the official handover of Solar PV assessment equipment from the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) to DIVT in support of the programme.
Under Secretary for Technical Affairs in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, Gabisile Mabuza, emphasized the importance of the programme, saying, “The Solar Installer Training and Certification Programme presents a great opportunity for Eswatini to strengthen capacity in response to the growing demand for solar energy. It is key to implementing the National Energy Policy of 2018 and the Energy Master Plan of 2020, while advancing our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Mabuza described the launch as “a defining milestone in our journey towards a clean energy economy that is equitable, inclusive, secure, and sustainable. Today, we witness strong collaboration between ESERA and DIVT, supported by development partners and industry stakeholders. This programme is aimed at building the capacity of our people in solar PV installation.”
She highlighted the job creation potential, stating, “With the increasing demand for solar energy comes a critical need for quality and safety assurance. Poor installations, safety hazards, and system failures have underscored the need for upskilling and accreditation of professionals so that they uphold the highest standards of practice. The Solar PV Installer Accreditation Programme directly responds to this challenge.”
The programme aims to empower technicians and engineers through structured training, create career pathways for Emaswati, standardize installation practices, and protect consumers while building public trust in solar PV technology.
ESERA Acting CEO, Simphiwe Khumalo, welcomed participants, saying, “It is both an honour and a privilege to launch the Eswatini Solar PV Installer Accreditation Programme. This milestone marks a new chapter in our efforts to formalise the solar industry and ensure that every installation meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.”
Khumalo explained that the programme began in 2023 with stakeholder consultations and led to the establishment of a National PV Assessment Centre at DIVT. “To date, ESERA has invested over E1.5 million, equipping the centre with training roofs, inverters, modules, and testing tools. These facilities now serve as the national benchmark for skills-based assessment in the solar industry,” he said.
He acknowledged the first team of qualified assessors, noting, “Their expertise ensures that Eswatini’s accreditation process meets international standards while remaining relevant to our national context. Today, we also recognise the first cohort of 42 accredited Solar PV Mounters and Installers for 2025, who successfully completed a rigorous three-day assessment covering theory, practical work, and real-world applications.”
The programme will also introduce higher accreditation levels for Three-Phase Installers, Design Engineers, and Technologists, creating a progressive career pathway in the solar industry.
Mabuza concluded with a message to all stakeholders: “I wish to appreciate the work done by the management and staff of both ESERA and DIVT. I also thank the Taiwan Technical Mission for equipment to support the training. To the newly accredited installers, you are pioneers in the transition to clean energy. Uphold professionalism, ethics, and excellence in your work. Together, we are building a brighter, cleaner, and more empowered Eswatini.”
