𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝟴, 𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗠𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔
- Solar will be the anchor
- New Botswana will produce global power companies
- BPC will be unbundled, transmission will stand alone, generation will be open for managed private sector competition
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 | 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆
The Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, Ndaba Gaolathe, has underscored that the country has the potential to generate over 8,000 megawatts of power, which will be pursued under the new administration.
Speaking at a renewable energy dialogue in Gaborone, Gaolathe, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, emphasized Botswana's potential to become a global renewable energy hub, given its abundant solar resources.
“The Integrated Resource Plan, established by the previous administration, aimed to produce over 1,200 megawatts. In this new government, we believe that is not enough—Botswana has the potential to generate over 8,000 megawatts for export across Africa,” he stated.
Gaolathe outlined how the new government plans to transform the energy sector and foster a “green economy.” A key strategy is the unbundling of Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), allowing transmission to operate independently and encouraging innovation and technology adoption in the sector.
“We need to break up the power chain,” Gaolathe explained. “Separating transmission will attract more advanced technology, enabling modernization and allowing companies with expertise to excel in this space. Power generation should involve managed competition, giving others the opportunity to participate.”
Gaolathe emphasized that in the "new Botswana," individuals with innovative ideas will have the chance to contribute to economic growth.
“With the right technology and interconnections, we can collectively create global power companies capable of lighting all of Africa. It’s an exciting vision,” he remarked.
Gaolathe expressed confidence in Botswana's potential, pointing to global examples of success. “This vision is achievable. Decades ago, in one of my first jobs in New York, I was building mathematical models and structuring greenfield projects for the power sectors in North America, Canada, and South America.
They were already implementing what we now envision, so this is not just theory. These are practical, achievable steps that can transform the lives of our people.”
