From The Rio Times · Amina Diarra · · 1m 10s
Botswana Power Trading Plan
Botswana to let private firms trade electricity after 35% imports.
In brief
Botswana to let private firms trade electricity after 35% imports. Botswana will let private companies trade electricity and build transmission lines to reduce reliance on imports, which cover 35% of its power demand. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Botswana Power Trading Plan
Botswana will let private firms trade electricity after 35% imports.
Regulator Announces Bill
BERA chief executive Never Tshabang said amendments to the BERA Act will go to Parliament in November.
Power Trading Plan
The plan allows private firms to build and run high-voltage lines and trade electricity.
Current Power Situation
Imports supply 35% of Botswana’s electricity demand, peak demand is 700 megawatts.
State Utility Costs
The state paid P2.5 billion (US$179 million) to the utility in 2025/26 due to low tariffs.
Why the Plan Matters
Private investment could ease budget strain from state utility costs and boost regional energy hub status.
Investor Impact
American infrastructure funds and equipment makers gain legal route into Botswana’s grid.
Open Questions
Bill text, license rules for private line owners, and vote date remain unpublished.
What’s Next
Parliament will debate amendments in November, with final vote date pending.
What it means
Botswana will let private companies trade electricity and build transmission lines to reduce reliance on imports, which cover 35% of its power demand.
