# Botswana Power Trading Plan

> Botswana to let private firms trade electricity after 35% imports.
- Title: Botswana Power Trading Plan · The Rio Times | Shortify
- Summary: Botswana to let private firms trade electricity after 35% imports. Botswana will let private companies trade electricity and build transmission lines to…
- Keywords: botswana, power trading, imports, bera, botswana power corporation, energy minister, news, world, politics, Power, Trading, Plan
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/botswana-power-trading-private-transmission-2026
- Author: Amina Diarra
- Published: 2026-10-21T07:34:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: botswana, power trading, imports, bera, botswana power corporation, energy minister, news, world, politics
## 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Bill text, license rules for private line owners, and vote date remain unpublished.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.
## Key takeaway

Botswana will let private companies trade electricity and build transmission lines to reduce reliance on imports, which cover 35% of its power demand.