Botswana Breaks Ground on First Solar Manufacturing Plant in Tlokweng

Botswana Breaks Ground on First Solar Manufacturing Plant in Tlokweng. Botswana has taken a significant step towards industrialisation and renewable energy development with the groundbreaking of the country’s first solar manufacturing facility in Tlokweng.

The project, spearheaded by citizen-owned company Sunlux, was officially launched by Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima. The new facility will focus on the local production of solar street lights and related components, strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on imported renewable energy products.

Established in 2023, Sunlux has rapidly expanded its footprint across Botswana, supplying solar solutions to communities in Gaborone, Tlokweng, Moshupa, and Tsabong. The new plant is expected to produce up to 900 solar street lights per month and create more than 160 jobs once operating at full capacity. Women and youth are expected to benefit from the majority of these employment opportunities, reinforcing the project’s role in advancing citizen economic empowerment.

The investment is backed by financing from the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and local financial institutions. By supporting local manufacturing, the initiative aligns with Botswana’s clean energy ambitions and broader goals of building a sustainable, green economy.

Minister Ntsima emphasised the strategic importance of the project, noting that it represents a milestone for Botswana’s renewable energy sector and a clear signal of the country’s commitment to industrialisation. The facility is expected to contribute to reducing carbon emissions, expanding access to affordable energy solutions, and positioning Botswana as a player in the regional renewable energy market.

The groundbreaking of the Tlokweng solar plant reflects growing momentum towards sustainable development, combining industrial growth with environmental responsibility. For Botswana, it marks a new chapter in building a resilient, locally driven renewable energy industry