By: Green building Africa

Botswana has placed renewable energy at the centre of its economic diversification strategy, with the announcement of a 500 MW solar photovoltaic project in Maun forming the cornerstone of newly signed agreements with Oman.

The deal was concluded during high level engagements between President Duma Boko and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, reflecting a growing bilateral focus on energy transition and resource development.

The Maun solar project will be developed by NAQAA Sustainable Energy, a subsidiary of O-Green. The company will take responsibility for designing, financing and operating the facility, which will include battery energy storage and is expected to have a minimum operational life of 25 years.

Positioned in north west Botswana, the 500 MW installation represents one of the country’s most significant renewable energy investments to date. The project is expected to play a central role in reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports while strengthening grid stability and long term energy security.

The development directly supports Botswana’s target of achieving 50% renewable energy contribution by 2030, a key milestone as the country works to transition away from an economy heavily dependent on diamond exports.

While the solar project is the flagship initiative, the agreements also include a joint mineral exploration programme between the Botswana Geo-Science Institute and Minerals Development Oman. The partnership will expand exploration across approximately 70% of Botswana’s land, focusing on critical minerals such as copper, gold, graphite and iron ore.

In parallel, Botswana Oil Limited and OQ S.A.O.C have signed an agreement to develop oil storage infrastructure, including facilities in Walvis Bay and the planned Tshele Hills Strategic Petroleum Depot.

President Boko underscored the significance of the agreements, stating, “These agreements are not just paperwork, they are the beginning of major infrastructure, energy-security, and industrialization projects that will shape Botswana’s future.”