Botswana advances energy independence project
Lucy Kgweetsi | Wednesday October 15, 2025 06:00
Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Pius Mokgware said the project symbolises more than just infrastructure as it also represents a nation’s determination to manage its own future.
He said reliable electricity is essential for any country that hopes to build a strong economy, create jobs, and maintain stability.
“If you don’t have power, you don’t have life,” Mokgware said, emphasising that Botswana must continue investing in projects that ensure self-sufficiency.
The power project, now under construction, has already created about 1,800 jobs and the workforce is expected to reach 5,000 at its peak.
Mokgware said surrounding communities were beginning to experience positive changes, including small business growth and improved infrastructure.
He urged the developers to continue involving residents and to prioritise projects that improve livelihoods beyond the construction site.
Mokgware also spoke about Botswana’s position within the Southern African Development Community, saying the country offers access to a much wider regional market.
He added that investors who choose Botswana benefit not only from the country’s geographic location but also from its political stability and respect for the rule of law.
According to him, these qualities remain central to Botswana’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
The minister, however, acknowledged the uncertainty facing global economies, saying governments must constantly adapt to new realities such as climate change, global conflict, and technological disruption.
“You cannot make a 20-year plan and never review it,” he said. “The world is changing faster than ever, and we must be prepared to adjust.”
He also used the occasion to raise labour issues, saying fair treatment of workers should remain at the heart of industrial development.
Mokgware said the soon-to-be-enacted Labour and Employment Bill aims to protect both employers and employees, promoting dignity and accountability at the workplace.
He encouraged companies to measure their success not only by their profits but also by the social impact they leave behind.
Jindal Botswana’s country director, Neeraj Saxena, spoke about the long road that led to the project’s progress. He said the development began during the COVID-19 pandemic with a small team that remained committed despite uncertainty.
He thanked the government and the financiers, led by Access Bank of India, for supporting the initiative and believing in Botswana’s potential.
Saxena said the partnership between Botswana and India continues to demonstrate how collaboration between public and private sectors can produce lasting benefits.
Saxena credited the teamwork and persistence that kept the project on track even during difficult times.