Vusumutiwendvodza Matsebula, the CEO of the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA), has been named the latest Champion of the Month.
Each month, the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) spotlights an individual from one of the participating countries who is supporting the initiative at the regional or national level.
Mr. Matsebula participated in the inaugural Community Minigrids Short Course Training, a capacity-building initiative offered by the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) in collaboration with AMP Eswatini. His involvement was driven by a keen interest in understanding the intersection between sustainability and business, recognizing that sustainability is no longer an isolated issue but a central concern for public and private institutions alike.
As part of the Minigrids Capacity Building Training Program, Mr. Matsebula has gained valuable insights into how private sector players can actively contribute to the green energy transition. His leadership and dedication underscore the critical role that procurement agencies and regulatory bodies can play in enabling sustainable infrastructure development through community-based minigrid systems.
Q: What motivated you to take up the Minigrid Capacity Building Program training course?
A: My background is in Environment and Local Government. When I took up the course, I was exploring ways to integrate sustainability into public procurement. The Community Minigrids course offered a valuable opportunity to better understand the intersections of sustainability, energy, and business, areas that are often embedded within Eswatini’s procurement processes.
Additionally, when I joined ESPPRA in May 2022, I encountered several high-profile court cases involving renewable energy procurement, where the Agency was a respondent following contested rulings by the Independent Review Committee. So, when I saw the advert for the training course offered by the UNESWA through the Centre for Sustainable Energy Research (CSER), I felt that the course could allow me to have insights into how the renewable energy value chain operates.
Q: What were the highlights of the course for you?
A: I thoroughly enjoyed the modules on demand-side management, green entrepreneurship, minigrid regulation, tariff design, and planning for minigrids. The green entrepreneurship module stood out as a key highlight because it explored the business benefits that can be derived from sustainability initiatives. I also found the minigrids business model module particularly insightful. It broadened my understanding of ESPPRA’s own business model and sparked new ideas about potential future business prospects at a personal level.
Q: What impact do you think the course will have on your career prospects and those of your fellow colleagues in these times we live in?
A: Sustainable energy is being widely embraced across commercial, industrial, and domestic sectors, which is expanding job opportunities within the renewable energy space. This course will enhance employment prospects for those who completed the minigrids training programme, by equipping them with relevant and in-demand skills.
As for me, I now have a much deeper understanding of the renewable energy procurement process—from tender review and specification preparation to tender evaluation, contract management, and reporting. Furthermore, the knowledge I gained through the training has already led to invitations to participate in both local and international conferences on sustainable procurement and the circular economy.
Q: What role do you think private players can have in minigrid development and the promotion of clean energy use?
A: Private players have a crucial role to play in the development of minigrids and the promotion of clean energy in Eswatini. They bring essential contributions such as technical expertise, investment, and innovative financing models. Their involvement enables greater operational efficiency, supports scaling and replication of projects, promotes job creation and capacity building, and contributes to market development, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
Moreover, private sector participation is key to mobilizing resources, driving innovation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and scalability of clean energy solutions such as minigrids. Their efforts can complement government initiatives and accelerate Eswatini’s transition to a more sustainable and energy-secure future.
Q: How important do you think the impartation of green skills is for private players?
A: Imparting green skills is crucial for private players in Eswatini to ensure effective deployment of renewable energy solutions, remaining competitive, and contributing meaningfully to the country’s sustainable development and energy transition goals. Building local capacity in green skills also supports long-term economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
Q: What do you think about the future of solar energy in Eswatini?
A: The future of solar energy in Eswatini is promising and holds great potential to contribute to the country’s sustainable development and energy security.
Solar energy can play a vital role in diversifying the national energy mix, improving energy access, especially in rural areas. To fully unlock this potential, strategic investments, supportive policies, and continuous capacity building will be essential. With the right approach, this potential can ensure Eswatini’s transition to an ecologically sustainable and energy-secure future.
Q: Would you recommend any private players to take up this course and if so, why?
A: I highly recommend this course to private sector players because it offers comprehensive insights into key aspects of minigrid development, ranging from strategic planning and demand-side management to tariff design and regulatory frameworks. It also provides a clear understanding of the regulatory environment governing minigrids, which is crucial for navigating legal and institutional frameworks.
Participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to clean energy access and sustainable development. emphasizes green entrepreneurship and introduces innovative business models, equipping participants with the tools to develop sustainable and commercially viable minigrid initiatives.