Sunlux Solar breaks ground on P14m manufacturing plant

Pauline Dikuelo | Tuesday June 9, 2026 13:44

The pair, through their company Sunlux Solar, has been operating as suppliers and installers of solar lighting products for several years, are now transitioning into full-scale manufacturing. On Thursday, they officially broke ground for a P14 million warehouse and manufacturing facility in Tlokweng that is expected to boost local production capacity and create employment opportunities. According to Director of Sunlux, Portia Masunda the factory is set to create about 160 jobs, with 80% of positions going to women and young people, driving real impact in job creation, empowerment, and skills development. She revealed that the decision to venture into manufacturing was inspired by a call made by government in 2023 for local businesses to invest in manufacturing as a means of creating jobs and diversifying the economy. 'At that time, we were already supplying councils, estates and retailers with solar lighting products,” Portia Masunda explained to audience during the groundbreaking ceremony.

“We then decided to travel to China, where we source our products, to benchmark and explore whether manufacturing could be done locally. Fortunately, we discovered that it was indeed possible.' Following their trip, the couple commenced the process of acquiring the necessary manufacturing equipment, culminating in the plant that was procured and delivered to Botswana after a period of 12 months. During that time, the business continued to operate its core activities, including the installation of solar street lights under various contracts. The two entrepreneurs simultaneously pursued the acquisition of land, driven by a long-term vision of establishing a fully-fledged solar manufacturing facility in Botswana. Portia revealed that the company has already taken preliminary steps into production, with manufacturing activities having already commenced in November last year. 'We have already started manufacturing some products, and we are proud to say that some of them have entered the market.

The quality has been remarkable,' she added. Currently, Sunlux manufactures solar street lights, solar flat lights and solar panels. Upon completion of the manufacturing plant, the company expects to produce up to 900 solar lights per month while operating a 12-hour production shift. Production levels will, however, be adjusted in line with market demand and customer orders. The expansion is also expected to significantly increase employment opportunities. The company currently employs 20 people but plans to expand its workforce to approximately 160 employees once operations reach full capacity. She emphasised the company's commitment to empowering women and young people through employment opportunities.

'I encourage women to apply in larger numbers. We want to empower as many women and youth as we possibly can,' she said. She added that the project represents the fulfilment of a long-held dream shared by her husband. 'This dream was always my husband's idea. In 2018, while we were installing street lights in Tati, he told me that one day he wanted to manufacture these lights instead of merely supplying or assembling them. I am glad that dream is now becoming a reality,' she said. The couple expects construction of the manufacturing facility to be completed by the end of this year. Addressing the gathering, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, described the Sunlux Solar Manufacturing Plant as a strategic investment that aligns with the country's industrialisation and economic diversification agenda. He said projects of this nature present valuable opportunities to localise production, strengthen domestic value chains, reduce reliance on imports and enhance national energy security. 'This project demonstrates how strategic investment in manufacturing can contribute to economic growth while supporting Botswana's transition towards sustainable and renewable energy solutions,' Ntsima said. The Minister noted that, beyond direct employment creation, the project has the potential to stimulate business opportunities for local suppliers, contractors, logistics companies and other service providers across the value chain. He further highlighted Botswana's favourable conditions for renewable energy development, noting that the country enjoys approximately 3,200 hours of sunshine annually. Despite this natural advantage, Botswana has historically depended heavily on imported solar technologies and products. Ntsima stressed that the expansion of local manufacturing must be accompanied by investments in skills development and human capital. 'I encourage Sunlux to collaborate closely with vocational training institutions, universities and technical colleges to equip young Batswana with the skills required for modern manufacturing and renewable energy industries,' he said