26 Feb 2025

Botswana remains committed to ensuring universal access to energy and fostering socio-economic development through sustainable solutions.
Speaking at the 2024 Southern African Development Community (SADC) sustainable energy week conference and the 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC) in Gaborone yesterday, Assistant Minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuting underscored Botswana’s ongoing commitment to off-grid renewable energy as a cornerstone for improving lives and driving sustainable growth.
Ms Mophuting admitted that while Botswana had made substantial progress in increasing access to energy, significant gaps remained.
“In Botswana, electricity access stands at approximately 76 per cent, with only 25 per cent of rural communities connected to the national grid,” she said. “Additionally, around 66 per cent of the population has access to clean cooking solutions,” she said.
Despite the progress, she noted that there was still much work to be done to ensure that all citizens, especially those in remote and underserved areas, had access to modern energy services. Off-grid renewable energy solutions, Ms Mophuting pointed out, were critical in addressing those challenges.
“Off-grid or decentralized renewable energy solutions are playing a vital role in enhancing community well-being by providing reliable and affordable energy. These solutions empower local economies, create jobs, and support essential services such as healthcare and education, driving sustainable development and improving livelihoods,” she said.
Ms Mophuting also highlighted the productive uses of off-grid energy, particularly in areas like agriculture, agro-processing, and small-scale industries, adding that such activities contributed to economic growth, food security and poverty reduction.
Pointing out one of the notable successes in Botswana’s National Off-Grid Electrification Programme, she said they had already provided solar solutions to over 50,000 households and improving access to electricity in rural and remote areas.
“Off-grid solar projects have successfully powered schools, clinics and households, transforming lives by enhancing agriculture, improving healthcare and providing better education opportunities,” she said.
Ms Mophuting also said solar-powered water pumping systems were transforming rural areas by providing a sustainable water supply for irrigation and livestock, boosting agricultural productivity.
Similarly, she said solar-powered water pumping, cold storage systems were helping farmers preserve crops and reduce post-harvest losses, strengthening food security and increasing incomes.
“We are seeing tangible results from these innovations, which are contributing to economic growth and food security,” she added.
Addressing the conference, Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Mr Makozo Chikote, called for greater collaboration among SADC countries to address the energy challenges facing the region.
Mr Chikote stressed the need to ensure that energy reached all areas, particularly marginalised communities to reduce poverty.
“Energy is a fundamental human right and a pathway to a better, more equitable Africa,” he said.
Mr Chikote further encouraged nations to embrace innovation and leverage new technologies to make energy more accessible and impactful for all. He emphasized that collaboration and innovation were key to achieving a sustainable energy future for the world. ENDS