14 Jul 2026

The expansion of the Francistown fuel depot, at a cost of P1 billion, is set to significantly boost Botswana’s strategic fuel storage.

The Botswana Oil Limited ( BOL), Senior Manager Hydrocarbon Sourcing, Mr Kabelo Lanka, confirmed that the project is 88 percent complete and on course for completion in April 2027.

Speaking during the Botswana Oil Limited Strategic Media Tour in Francistown recently, Mr Lanka said the expansion will add 60 million litres of storage capacity to the existing 38 million litres at the facility.

He stated that the facility was currently recognised as Botswana’s largest storage facility and that the project was being executed in two distinct phases. He confirmed that Phase One was already complete and that the overall project remained both on schedule and within budget.

Mr Lanka added that once complete, the facility would dramatically increase the nation’s ability to manage petroleum product supplies.

BOL’s Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Mr Letshego Moeng, informed the media about the ongoing Francistown Depot Expansion Project and outlined the company’s broader initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s security of fuel supply.

With only 12 per cent of the works remaining, he said the project would significantly increase the country’s strategic fuel storage capacity and enhance national energy security.  

Mr Moeng emphasised the importance of the media in ensuring Batswana receive accurate and timely information. He said it was critical for the media to get first-hand information and to relay vital messages to the public on matters relating to the country’s energy security. He noted that an informed media played a key role in building public understanding and trust around national strategic projects.

Mr Moeng also highlighted BOL’s regional expansion plans, including the Coastal Storage Project in Namibia. In his deliberations, Head of Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality ( HSSEQ) Mr Ronny Orlando said it was the duty of BOL to ensure that the  product was of good quality adding that there were some tests being done to verify that fuel met the standard quality required.

Members of the media were taken through BOL’s operations and experienced first-hand the technology and systems that underpin the company’s work.

These included the automated gantry that enhances loading efficiency and inventory management, firefighting and emergency response systems, environmental management practices, the quality assurance laboratory, business continuity measures, and product traceability systems. ENDS