Botswana’s $100 million solar gamble could turn it into a regional power player
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Botswana is preparing to enter a new era of energy production with the launch of the 100-megawatt Tati Solar Project, its first large-scale solar development.
Backed by $100 million in financing, the project is being developed by Etavi Renewables and Shumba Energy and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2027. The initiative represents a significant shift for a country that has long struggled with electricity shortages linked to ageing coal infrastructure and supply constraints.
A seat at Southern Africa’s energy table
What makes the Tati Solar Project particularly notable is its intended market.
Rather than supplying power solely to domestic consumers, the project will sell electricity into the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), one of Africa’s most sophisticated regional electricity trading systems. The network serves around 360 million people across 12 countries and allows power producers to trade electricity across borders.
For Botswana, participation in the regional market could unlock new revenue streams while strengthening its influence in Southern Africa’s energy sector.
The financiers betting on Botswana
The project’s financing package was arranged and underwritten by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), a subsidiary of South Africa’s FirstRand.
According to RMB executives, the deal demonstrates growing confidence that utility-scale renewable energy projects can succeed on a merchant basis by selling into regional markets rather than relying exclusively on government-backed power purchase agreements.
The model could provide a template for future renewable energy investments across Africa.
A continent racing toward renewables
Botswana’s solar push comes as African countries increasingly turn to renewable energy to meet growing electricity demand.
Across the continent, governments and development finance institutions are investing heavily in solar power, battery storage and grid infrastructure. Countries such as Egypt, Zambia and South Africa have attracted significant renewable energy funding as they seek to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy security.
Rising demand from industry, mining operations, data centres and urbanisation is further accelerating the shift.
Can Botswana become a power exporter?
For decades, Botswana has depended heavily on electricity imports to supplement domestic generation. The Tati Solar Project forms part of a broader strategy to diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce vulnerability to regional supply disruptions.
If successful, the project could help transform Botswana from an energy importer into a competitive supplier within the Southern African market.
Sunshine with strategic value
Beyond generating clean electricity, the Tati Solar Project is being viewed as a test case for investor confidence in market-driven renewable energy developments across Africa.
Its success could encourage additional private-sector investment in renewable infrastructure and strengthen Botswana’s position in a region increasingly focused on energy security, sustainability and cross-border power trade.
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