24 Mar 2026

Jwaneng Technical College is expected to enrol the first cohort for a solar training in August, making it the first public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution to offer the programme.

This follows a successful retooling and graduation of 20 JTC electrical students and three lecturers undertaken in partnership with China Harbour Electrical Company, which is responsible for the Jwaneng 100MW Solar PV Plant. In addition to employing the 20 graduates as solar engineers, China Harbour also donated solar training equipment to the college.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the acting deputy director in the Department of Skills Development, Ms Ruth Masilo said the development resonated with the country’s economic transformation plans of harnessing opportunities that existed in renewable energy sub-sector. Ms Masilo applauded the two institutions for remarkable partnership, which contributed to producing skills which are relevant to the industry.

“The retooling of electrical students into solar engineers is a powerful example of innovation and adaptability. As Botswana diversifies its economy, the renewable energy sector presents immense opportunities. These graduates are well positioned to lead this transformation and create further opportunities for others,” she added.

She noted that through the National Development Plan 12 and Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, key priorities in transforming TVET included aligning training with high-growth sectors such as green energy, mining and manufacturing, among others.

Ms Masilo also noted that plans were underway to develop a national advocacy and communication strategy to enhance TVET and reposition it as a first-choice career path, while also investing in modern infrastructure and human capital for effective transformation.

She said enhancing TVET would not only create a strong skills database for driving the country’s economic growth, but would also go a long way in contributing towards social development.

“As we look ahead, we are reminded that Botswana’s greatest asset is its people. By investing in TVET, we are investing in the dreams and aspirations of our youth. We are building a nation of skilled, innovative and entrepreneurial individuals capable of competing on a global stage,” she noted.

China Harbour Company deputy project manager, Mr Lian Xu said they were elated to contribute towards skills development and capacity building for Batswana. He said the partnership between their company and the community within which they operated was beyond the plant construction but also the development of the solar industry in general.

“We are happy to see that the solar industry is developing rapidly in Botswana. We believe that the real development of the industry lies not only in the completion and operation of the solar power stations, but also in the growth of local solar engineers,” he said.

Jwaneng deputy mayor, Mr Mothibedi Watshipi applauded the company for its investment in young people, who he said were innovative drivers of the country’s economy. He said their contribution was testament that TVET was a key factor in transformation to create opportunities. He urged the graduates to go out and create their own opportunities and use the acquired skills to close gaps in the market. BOPA