• Botswana and Oman signed strategic agreements that include a 500-MW solar photovoltaic project.
• The energy partnership covers fuel-storage infrastructure, petroleum supply and trading, and large-scale solar development.
• Botswana plans to raise its renewable-energy share from 8% to 50% by 2030 to reach universal electricity access.

Botswana aims to accelerate renewable-energy development to secure electricity supply, expand electrification and lower its carbon footprint. The government announced on November 25 that it signed several strategic agreements with investment companies from the Sultanate of Oman, including a collaboration on a 500-MW solar photovoltaic project.

Officials signed the agreements in Gaborone during a visit by an Omani delegation led by Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, president of the Oman Investment Authority. The mission followed Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s trip to Oman on October 19, 2025.

The joint communiqué stated that the energy partnership covers three components: the development of fuel-storage infrastructure, the supply and regional trade of petroleum products, and the implementation of the 500-MW solar project, described as a central element of the new cooperation.

Officials did not disclose the project timeline, implementation modalities or financing structure. The parties also signed a cooperation agreement with the Botswana Geoscience Institute to support national exploration and mineral-development initiatives.

Botswana outlined its national objectives in its National Energy Compact, published under the Mission 300 framework. The government aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, raising the access rate from 76.6% to 100% through grid extensions in peri-urban and rural areas and off-grid solutions for isolated communities. Botswana plans to expand the share of renewable energy in its power mix from 8% today to 50% by 2030 by scaling up solar and wind investments.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum