Botswana Eyes Power Surplus by 2029 as BERA Identifies New Investment Opportunities

Botswana Eyes Power Surplus by 2029 as BERA Identifies New Investment OOpportunities. Botswana could have an electricity surplus by 2029, creating potential investment opportunities in power generation, transmission infrastructure and electricity trading, according to Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) CEO Dr Never Tshabang.

Speaking at the National Business Conference in Francistown, Tshabang said proposed amendments to the BERA Act are expected to be tabled in Parliament in November 2026.

The proposed reforms seek to increase private sector participation in Botswana’s electricity market. Tshabang said the amendments are expected to introduce electricity trading, recognise independent transmission providers and allow industries to generate electricity without necessarily going through Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).

He identified investment in transmission lines and regional interconnectors as important to facilitating potential electricity exports once surplus power becomes available.

Tshabang also highlighted the potential use of surplus electricity to support energy-intensive industries, data centres, agriculture and manufacturing.

Battery energy storage systems were identified as another area of opportunity as Botswana works towards its target of generating 50% of its electricity from green energy sources by 2030.

The BERA chief executive also pointed to investment opportunities in Botswana’s petroleum and gas sector, particularly in storage facilities in northern and western parts of the country.

He said additional storage infrastructure could strengthen fuel distribution and national energy security.Tshabang noted that Botswana has approximately 200 petroleum import licences, but only about eight importers are actively operating.

The developments come as Botswana considers changes to its energy market and regulatory framework. According to Tshabang, an enabling regulatory environment will be important in attracting bankable investments across the sector.

The proposed electricity market reforms would introduce additional roles for private participants, including electricity traders and independent transmission providers, while creating opportunities for industries to generate their own electricity under the proposed framework.