25 Nov 2025

Government, through the Ministry of Minerals and Energy has signed  Memoranda of Agreement with Oman on strategic cooperation in the Botswana minerals and energy sector.

The specific areas of collaboration will be on the development of petroleum products bulk coastal storage in Walvis Bay, petroleum products supply and regional trading, development of Tshele Hills inland petroleum products storage, implementation of 500 megawatts solar photovoltaic as well as cooperation in minerals and exploration.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Gaborone yesterday, President Advocate Duma Boko said the strategic agreements were critical in strengthening Botswana’s security of supply of energy and strategically positioning Botswana in regional energy trading.

He said the MoAs were achievement for Botswana to transform from a net electricity importer to an exporter that government aimed to achieve within the next 18 months.

In relation to fuel security, President Boko indicated that the MoAs would enable Botswana to move from the 14 days grace period fuel security to a higher 6-9 months order of magnitude in fuel security.

He said there were many other projects in offing and expressed optimism for them to be implemented timely.

He noted that it was commendable that concrete agreements were signed between the two nations, thus called for  immediate creation of enabling environment for them commence and prosper.

The agreements, he said marked the beginning of translating words into deeds, as government moved from thinking about the execution of the projects, adding that he was confident that the projects would be delivered timely and to the expected quality standards.

“It is equally important to devote all the time to implement such projects as they have far-reaching implications for both countries and remove all bottlenecks, red tapes and impediments that could hinder timely implementation,” he said.  

He stated that Oman was fully committed to the entire value chain and already lined up to commence.

He said the expectation was to have a lot of skills exchange through attachment of both skilled and semi-skilled personal in Omari companies and refine their skills for the benefit of the country.

President Boko thus urged the Omari investors to regard Botswana as their other home away from home as their physical presence was of outmost importance for the success of the project proposed.

“We are most grateful and humbled by the Omari gesture and remain hopeful that it will improve and advance our country hence look forward to cement the partnership between the two countries,” President Boko said.

For his part, president of the Oman Investment Authority, Mr Abdulsalam Bin Mohammed Al Murshidi expressed gratitude toward the chemistry and cooperation between the two countries.

He said Oman was committed to completion of the proposed project, which would enhance wellbeing of the local communities. ENDS