Monday, 29 June 2026
News — Graduation of Second Cohort in Community Minigrid Development Programme
The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), in partnership with the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), has celebrated the graduation of 26 participants from the second cohort of the Capacity Building Programme in Community Minigrid Development under the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP).
The programme was designed to strengthen skills and knowledge in community minigrid development and renewable energy systems, equipping participants with practical competencies required to support sustainable energy initiatives. Participants also received training in project development and financing, as well as emerging topics such as the application of Artificial Intelligence in energy planning.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, ESERA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Skhumbuzo Tsabedze, congratulated the graduates on their achievement and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the programme to support sustainable energy development.
Second cohort graduating students and stakeholders.
He further encouraged graduates to continue building their expertise through ESERA’s Solar PV Installer Accreditation Programme, implemented in partnership with the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training (DIVT). He noted that continued professional development is essential in ensuring that the country has a skilled workforce capable of supporting the growing renewable energy sector.
UNESWA Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Henry Gadaga, during the event.
UNESWA Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Henry Gadaga, described the graduation as an important milestone in developing expertise for the energy sector. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in advancing renewable energy research, innovation, and training.
The Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Research (CSER), Dr Gcina Mavimbela, emphasised that the programme equips participants with the technical skills required to develop and operate community minigrids. He noted that these competencies are critical in supporting efforts to expand access to clean, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.
The Capacity Building Programme in Community Minigrid Development is part of the Africa Minigrids Program, an initiative aimed at supporting the development of sustainable minigrid markets and strengthening local capacity across participating African countries.
The programme is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and delivered in partnership with RMI. In Eswatini, implementation is led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy through ESERA.
ESERA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Skhumbuzo Tsabedze, making his remarks.
