Navigating Botswana's pathway toward a sustainable energy future

Lovemore Taonezvi

Chapter 17 in Handbook on Energy Transitions in Africa, 2026, pp 282-299 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter examines Botswana's energy transition within the broader African context, highlighting the country's dual reality of abundant solar potential and entrenched coal dependency. It explores the historical, institutional, and socio-economic factors shaping Botswana's energy landscape, including access disparities, infrastructure gaps, and limited renewable uptake. The analysis situates Botswana's policy frameworks, such as the Integrated Resource Plan and National Energy Policy, alongside regional dynamics through the Southern African Power Pool. Key themes include just transition considerations, gender and youth inclusion, private sector participation, and innovative financing models. The chapter emphasises the need for institutional reform, grid modernisation, and decentralised solutions to unlock renewable potential while ensuring equitable outcomes. Botswana's pathway to becoming a net energy exporter depends on harmonising domestic reforms with regional integration, fostering inclusive governance, and aligning investment with climate resilience and Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: Botswana Energy Transition; Solar Power; Coal Dependency; Regional Integration; Energy Policy; Sustainable Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332236
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