BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Ubombo Sugar Limited (USL) has taken a bold and transformative step towards strengthening Eswatini’s energy security with the signing of a landmark E1.3 billion Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with India-based ISGEC Heavy Engineering Limited.
The historic agreement signals a major leap forward in the country’s journey towards sustainable and reliable electricity generation.
The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane and followed swiftly after another major milestone for the company – the signing of a 40-megawatt Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Ubombo Sugar Limited and the Eswatini Electricity Company a day earlier. Together, the two agreements lay the foundation for a nationally significant power generation project that is set to change the energy landscape of the Kingdom.
Ubombo Sugar Limited’s Managing Director, Muzi Siyaya, represented the company at the ceremony, while ISGEC Heavy Engineering Limited was represented by its Chief International Marketing Officer, Yogesh Marwah. The project, backed by a total investment commitment of approximately E1.5 billion, has also received strong support from ABF Sugar, reaffirming confidence in Ubombo’s vision and execution capacity.
Speaking at the event, Ubombo Sugar described the EPC contract as a defining moment in its mission to contribute meaningfully to Eswatini’s development. The appointment of ISGEC followed a rigorous and highly competitive procurement process, drawing interest from leading engineering firms across the globe. ISGEC ultimately emerged as the preferred partner based on its proven record in delivering high-efficiency industrial boilers and complex sugar and power projects across multiple continents.
The decision to partner with ISGEC reflects Ubombo Sugar’s commitment to technical excellence, time-bound delivery and world-class standards. With nearly nine decades of engineering experience, ISGEC brings deep expertise in power generation infrastructure and industrial energy solutions. The company has implemented similar projects across Africa and internationally, positioning it as a trusted partner for this ambitious undertaking.
Commercial operation of the power plant is targeted for June 2028, and strict delivery timelines are embedded in the EPC contract. For Ubombo Sugar, these timelines represent more than contractual obligations – they symbolise a firm promise to the nation that the much-needed energy capacity will be delivered without delay. The project is expected to play a significant role in reducing pressure on the national electricity grid while improving energy reliability for homes, businesses and industry.
Equally significant is the project’s strong emphasis on local economic participation. Ubombo Sugar has committed to ensuring that Eswatini-based contractors, suppliers and service providers play an active role throughout the construction phase. This approach is set to stimulate local enterprise development, create employment opportunities and deepen industrial skills within the country.
Beyond energy generation, the power project forms part of Ubombo Sugar’s broader sustainability agenda, supporting Eswatini’s transition towards a greener and more resilient energy mix. It also demonstrates how private-sector investment, when aligned with national priorities, can deliver long-term social and economic benefits.
ISGEC Chief International Marketing Officer Yogesh Marwah welcomed the partnership, describing it as an honour for the company to be selected to deliver such a strategically important project. He reaffirmed ISGEC’s commitment to working diligently and to the highest professional standards, expressing confidence that the project would be successfully completed by June 2028.
Ubombo Sugar also expressed its appreciation to regulators, government partners, financial institutions and the media for their continued support throughout the project’s development. The company emphasised that the success of the initiative reflects what is possible when institutions unite behind a shared national goal.
As construction preparations get underway, the Ubombo Sugar–ISGEC partnership stands as a powerful symbol of confidence, capability and collaboration. More than just infrastructure, the project is helping to build a stronger foundation for Eswatini’s economic growth, energy independence and sustainable future for generations to come.
