The government of Botswana to spend P1 billion in solar energy

Table of Contents

• Major Green Energy Investments in Botswana

• KEY DRIVERS ON WHY THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING THIS

• OPPORTUNITIES

• Botswana’s shift toward green energy opens up maj …

• 7 STARTUP IDEAS TO CONSIDER

Good morning 😃☀️🌞! Let’s get into it

The government of Botswana is planning to invest over a billion Pula on green energy projects that will benefit the country:

The Government of Botswana is currently investing over P1 billion in green energy initiatives, particularly in large-scale solar power projects aimed at transforming the country’s energy landscape.

Major Green Energy Investments in Botswana

Mmadinare Solar Complex (120 MW)

• Investment: Approximately BWP 1.5 billion (USD 108 million)

• Developer: Scatec ASA (Norwegian renewable energy company)

• Financing: BWP 1 billion in non-recourse project debt from First National Bank of Botswana and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC); remaining costs covered by equity from Scatec

• Details: The project, located near Mmadinare, is being developed in two phases of 60 MW each. It is expected to power around 20,000 households annually and avoid 48,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Jwaneng Solar Power Station (100 MW)

• Investment: Approximately BWP 1.05 billion (USD 78.3 million)

• Developer: Sinotswana Green Energy (a consortium of Chinese and Botswana companies)

• Details: Located in Jwaneng, this project involves the construction of a 100 MW solar photovoltaic plant, a 132-kilovolt substation, and associated transmission lines. The plant is expected to be commissioned in the second quarter of 2026.

Botswana Renewable Energy Support and Access Accelerator (RESA) Project

• Total Funding: $122 million (approximately BWP 1.6 billion)

• Funding Sources: $88 million loan from the World Bank, $30 million loan and $4 million grant from the Green Climate Fund, and a $3.5 million grant from the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program

• Details: The RESA Project aims to enhance renewable energy and improve electricity services in Botswana. It includes financing for grid investment, Botswana’s first 50 MW utility-scale battery energy storage system, and grid expansion to rural villages.

These investments are part of Botswana’s broader strategy to increase renewable energy to 30% of its energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2036. The government is also seeking proposals for the construction of 1.5 gigawatts of solar power generation to further reduce reliance on coal and power imports.

KEY DRIVERS ON WHY THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING THIS

Here’s a breakdown of the key drivers behind the move:

1. Reducing Dependence on Coal and Power Imports

• Current reality: Botswana relies heavily on coal-fired power and electricity imports from South Africa and other neighbors.

• Problem: This makes the country vulnerable to power shortages, especially when regional supply is strained (as has happened with Eskom in South Africa).

• Green energy solution: Solar and other renewables will help diversify the energy mix and reduce dependence on imports.

2. Meeting Growing Energy Demand

• As Botswana’s population grows and its economy diversifies (e.g., through mining, tourism, and digital industries), energy demand is increasing.

• Renewable energy provides a scalable solution to meet this demand without harming the environment.

3. Botswana Has Ideal Solar Potential

• The country has abundant sunshine year-round, making it a perfect location for solar energy production.

• Leveraging this natural resource is cost-effective and sustainable over the long term.

4. Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs

• Large green energy projects attract foreign direct investment (FDI), like the Scatec and IFC-backed deals.

• Construction and operation of solar plants create local employment opportunities and develop skills in the renewable energy sectors.

5. Climate Change and Global Commitments

• Botswana is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with global climate goals (e.g., the Paris Agreement).

• Shifting to renewables supports climate resilience and protects biodiversity and water resources.

6. Lower Long-Term Energy Costs

• Solar and other renewables have lower operating costs than fossil fuels.

• Once infrastructure is in place, they offer stable energy prices, shielding the economy from fuel price volatility.

7. Infrastructure Modernization

• The transition to green energy includes upgrading the national grid, integrating battery storage, and improving rural electrification, especially through the RESA project.

National Targets

• 30% renewable energy by 2030

• 50% by 2036

In short, Botswana’s green energy push is about energy independence, sustainability, economic resilience, and future-proofing the country’s development.

OPPORTUNITIES

Botswana’s shift toward green energy opens up major opportunities for both entrepreneurs and job seekers. This is a growing industry, and governments, investors, and development banks are actively looking for local partners and skilled professionals to bring these projects to life.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Technical Roles

• Solar Panel Installers

• Electricians & Technicians (with solar training)

• Civil & Electrical Engineers (designing and maintaining solar farms)

• Battery Storage Technicians

• Environmental Specialists (to assess and manage environmental impact)

Project Management & Operations

• Project Managers for energy infrastructure projects

• Maintenance Supervisors for solar facilities

• Logistics & Supply Chain Managers (for equipment and materials)

Support Services

• Legal & Compliance Professionals (to help navigate energy regulations)

• Financial Analysts (for energy project funding and cost analysis)

• Policy Advisors (to support  government and NGOs with energy strategy)

ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Solar Equipment Supply & Distribution

• Importing or manufacturing solar panels, inverters, batteries, etc.

• Becoming a licensed local distributor or installer for international brands

Off-Grid & Rural Solutions

• Mini-grids and solar kits for rural electrification

• Providing solar-powered water pumps for agriculture (huge potential in Botswana)

Green Construction & Architecture

• Building eco-friendly homes and offices powered by renewable energy

• Offering energy efficiency consultations for homes, farms, and businesses

Waste-to-Energy or Bioenergy Startups

• Turning agricultural waste into energy (especially in rural Botswana)

• Potential in livestock areas for biogas initiatives

Solar-Powered Products for Daily Use

• Solar-powered freezers, phone chargers, borehole pumps, lights

• Selling to farmers, rural communities, informal settlements, and even lodges

Training & Certification

• Launch a solar technician training school

• Provide certified programs to help youth tap into the green energy job market

OTHER NICHES TO WATCH

• Carbon credit and clean energy financing (Botswana may soon enter this space as projects scale)

• Green innovation hubs or incubators

• SaaS or tech platforms for monitoring solar systems or usage

Start Where the Government Is Spending

Most of the P1+ billion is going into:

• Grid infrastructure

• Battery storage

• Large solar farms

• Rural electrification

7 STARTUP IDEAS TO CONSIDER

If you align your offering with those needs, whether through services, tools, training, or complementary products, you’ll increase your chances of tapping into this wave.

Here are 7 specific green energy startup ideas tailored for Botswana, based on government investment priorities, rural needs, and Botswana’s solar potential:

1.

Solar Mini-Grid Provider for Rural Villages

What it is: Set up and operate small-scale, solar-powered electricity grids for off-grid communities.

Why it works:

• 1 in 3 rural households in Botswana still lack access to reliable electricity.

• Government and donors (World Bank, GCF) are backing rural electrification.

Revenue model:

• Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) energy subscriptions.

• Community partnerships or PPPs (Public-Private Partnerships).

2.

Mobile Solar Maintenance & Repair Service

What it is: A roaming service that installs, maintains, and repairs solar panels and batteries, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Why it works:

• Solar systems are expanding, but there’s a shortage of trained technicians.

• Works well in both B2C and B2B setups (e.g., servicing lodges, farms, schools).

Add-on: Offer training workshops for locals and charge per session.

3.

Solar-Powered Borehole & Irrigation Systems for Farmers

What it is: Provide complete, affordable setups for solar-powered water pumps and drip irrigation.

Why it works:

• Farmers need cost-effective solutions for water access and irrigation.

• Botswana’s agriculture relies heavily on water, but grid access is limited.

Bonus: You can partner with NGOs focused on food security or sell via agro-dealers.

4.

Solar Cold Storage Units for Rural Markets

What it is: Rent or sell solar-powered cold rooms to farmers, butchers, and vendors who need to preserve produce or meat.

Why it works:

• Reduces the spoilage of food in remote areas.

• Adds value to agriculture and fishery products (especially in Ngamiland, Chobe, etc.).

Revenue model: Pay-per-use cold storage or leasing units.

5.

Solar Home Systems (SHS) & PAYG Retail Platform

What it is: Sell solar kits (lights, chargers, radios, small TVs) via mobile payments in low-income areas.

Why it works:

• People without electricity still want light, entertainment, and phone charging.

• PAYG models make solar affordable for everyone.

Idea: Create a mobile-friendly app that tracks payments and usage.

6.

Solar Technician Training Academy

What it is: Offer hands-on training and certification in solar installation, wiring, and battery maintenance.

Why it works:

• Projects like the Jwaneng and Mmadinare plants will need local skilled labor.

• Government and NGOs may fund training partnerships.

Scale tip: Build B2B partnerships with installation companies or government training grants.

7.

Green Building Consultancy for Solar-Integrated Homes

What it is: Help developers, estate agents, and home builders design and build energy-efficient homes with solar as the default.

Why it works:

• Solar is becoming mainstream in urban home designs (especially in Gaborone, Phakalane, and Maun).

• The market lacks professionals focused on solar + design integration.

  You can also offer financing partnerships with banks or building societies.

Sources: Energy in Africa, KeyFacts Energy, Mmegi Online, PV magazine international, World Bank, ippjournal.com, yourbotswana.com