100 MW Solar Energy opportunity

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The Jwaneng Solar Power Plant: A New Dawn for Botswana’s Energy and Youth Opportunities

Botswana is making steady progress on the Jwaneng solar power plant, a milestone in its transition to renewable energy. This development comes at a time when the country is seeking to reduce its dependency on electricity imports and diversify its energy mix.

how youth entrepreneurs and professionals can get involved.

Benefits of Solar Energy for Botswana

1. Energy Independence

Botswana imports much of its electricity, particularly from South Africa. With regional supply often unstable, building domestic solar capacity will strengthen national energy security.

2. Long-term Cost Savings

While initial setup costs are high, solar energy systems have low operational and maintenance costs. Over time, the government and consumers save money on fuel and power subsidies.

3. Environmental Sustainability

Solar energy is clean and emits no carbon during generation. Transitioning to renewables supports Botswana’s environmental commitments and reduces the country’s carbon footprint.

4. Rural Electrification

Solar mini-grids and off-grid systems make it possible to bring electricity to remote villages that are too far from the national grid, improving education, healthcare, and business.

5. Job Creation and Skills Development

The solar sector has the potential to create new jobs from panel manufacturing and installation to maintenance and system design especially for technically trained youth.

Opportunities in Solar Energy for Youth Entrepreneurs and Professionals

1. Solar Installation and Maintenance Services

Start businesses that install solar panels for homes, farms, clinics, and schools. Offering regular maintenance and cleaning services can provide recurring income. ( my brother does this and is making bank on it)

2. Sales and Distribution of Solar Products

Import and resell portable solar products such as lamps, phone chargers, water heaters, and borehole pumps. These are in demand in both rural and urban areas.

3. Solar-Powered Agribusiness

Use solar-powered irrigation systems to support agriculture. Entrepreneurs can offer irrigation-as-a-service or set up solar cold storage for perishables and dairy in rural communities.

4. Technical Training and Skills Development

Launch or collaborate on vocational training programs that teach solar panel installation, wiring, safety, and energy system design. These programs can upskill youth and help meet industry demand.

5. Project Development and Consulting

Specialize in helping organizations—such as schools, NGOs, and estates—plan and implement solar energy systems. There is growing demand for local consultants who understand both energy and local context.

6. Community-Based Solar Projects

Develop and manage solar microgrids owned by communities. These can supply power locally or feed into the national grid through net metering programs.

7. Solar-Powered Digital and Business Hubs

Set up mobile or permanent workstations powered by solar, providing internet, phone charging, printing, and remote work capabilities to underserved areas.

How Government and Institutions Can Support

• Introduce tailored funding for clean energy projects through CEDA, YDF, or LEA

• Offer tax incentives and import duty exemptions for solar businesses

• Establish partnerships between private solar companies and youth-led startups

• Prioritize local talent in public renewable energy tenders

• Promote awareness of solar as a viable career path in schools and universities

Conclusion

The Jwaneng solar project is more than a step toward energy security—it’s a platform for youth empowerment. By investing in solar energy and opening up participation to local entrepreneurs and professionals, Botswana can build a new green economy powered by its own people.

This is the time to act.

Sources:

1. PVKnowhow

2. African Energy council

3. China Global South