21 Apr 2026

The partnership between Botswana and Sultanate of Oman reflects a shared vision, one built on trust, mutual respect and commitment to sustainable development.

The Oman Investment Authority president, Mr Abdulsalam Al Murshidi made the remarks at the recent ground-breaking of the Maun solar energy plant integrated with 500 MWh battery storage.

The project stems from a partnership between the two countries to reinforce Botswana’s renewable energy capacity which was managed under the country’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to ensure energy security, improved access and sustainable economic development.

Mr Murshidi stated that Oman was proud to stand alongside Botswana in the journey and appreciated that the initiative was not only Botswana’s largest renewable energy facility but also a clear sign of the country’s leadership in embracing a clean and resilient energy future.

“For us at the Oman Investment Authority, this marks a meaningful extension of Oman’s global investment footprint, one that goes beyond capital. It is an investment in partnerships, in knowledge exchange and in building platforms that create long-term value for nations and their people,” he said.

Mr Al Murshidi also highlighted that the initiative formed part of a broader vision, the development of the Botswana Energy Trading Platform, a transformative programme that positioned Botswana as a regional energy hub within the Southern African power pool.

Through such a platform, he said Botswana had the potential to transition from an energy importer to a competitive energy exporter, unlocking new economic opportunities and strengthening its role in regional power markets.

For her part, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo said the ministry remained committed to delivering on the renewable energy targets as set out in the national priorities.

Minister Kenewendo said through the accelerated implementation of the IRP, they were focused on translating policy into tangible outcomes that would expand energy access, strengthen energy security and unlock economic opportunity.

“This project reflects a deliberate and bold commitment to reposition Botswana’s energy sector in line with our aspirations for a modern and resilient economy. In 2024, Botswana had less than 10 per cent of renewable energy and yet by 2030, we are due to meet our goal of 50/50 and beyond,” she added.

The minister thanked their partners from the Sultanate of Oman and O-Green for their vision and investment, which she said would make the project possible.

However, the project would be executed by Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) in collaboration with Okavango Solar on behalf of the Sultanate of Oman.

BPC chief executive officer, Mr David Kgoboko explained that the project would be developed through an Independent Power Producer (IPP) model citing that the power plant would be owned and operated by Okavango Solar, a company wholly owned by Naqaa Sustainable Energy of Oman, represented by O-Green, under a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement with BPC as the off-taker.

Meanwhile, BPC had, over the last two years, undertaken two other utility-scale Solar PV projects in Mmadinare and Jwaneng, both rated at 100 MWp. 

To date, Mmadinare Solar has been in commercial operation, generating 100 MW of solar power during the day, while Jwaneng is undergoing commissioning and is scheduled to be in commercial operation by mid-2026 at the latest.

Such projects, Mr Kgoboko said were without Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which allowed some of the electricity generated to be stored and used when there was no sunshine or during evening and early morning peak hours.

“I am pleased to announce that the Maun Solar Project entails the development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of a 500MW solar PV plant, with a BESS of 500 MWh, equivalent to four hours of storage at a capacity of 125MW,” he said.ENDS