MBABANE – Vusumutiwendvodza Matsebula, CEO of the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA), has been recognised as the Africa Minigrids Programme (AMP) Champion of the Month for July 2025.
Matsebula was acknowledged for his participation in the Community Minigrids Short Course Training, a capacity-building programme delivered by the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) in partnership with AMP Eswatini. The programme aims to equip professionals with the skills to drive sustainable energy solutions at national and regional levels.
Speaking on what led him to the training, Matsebula said his background in environment and local governance motivated him to explore how sustainability could be embedded into Eswatini’s public procurement processes. He noted that the training also helped him better understand renewable energy procurement—especially after ESPPRA was involved in legal disputes over contested energy tenders when he joined the agency in May 2022. 
Modules such as demand-side management, minigrid planning, tariff design, regulation, and green entrepreneurship stood out for Matsebula, who said the course had given him new insights into ESPPRA’s own business model and sparked ideas for personal ventures.
He said the knowledge has already expanded his career prospects and led to invitations to speak at conferences on sustainable procurement and the circular economy.
Matsebula believes the private sector plays a vital role in the minigrid ecosystem, especially in offering technical know-how, investment, and innovative financial models. He said their involvement supports scalability, job creation, and the development of clean energy markets.
He also stressed the need for green skills development, particularly for private players, to remain competitive and actively contribute to Eswatini’s energy transition.
Looking ahead, he described solar energy as a key pillar in diversifying Eswatini’s energy mix and improving access, particularly in rural areas. He called for sustained investment, favourable policies, and ongoing training to ensure long-term benefits.
Matsebula encouraged private companies to take up the minigrid course, which he said offers a solid grounding in regulatory frameworks, strategic planning, and green business development essential for building viable clean energy projects.
