Botswana has taken a decisive step forward in its strategy for economic diversification and energy sovereignty with the signing of strategic agreements with the Sultanate of Oman. These partnerships, which cover mineral exploration across much of the country and the development of a 500-MW solar power plant, mark a major turning point for the national economy.
The agreements signed between the two countries provide for cooperation in the field of mineral exploration, covering 70% of Botswana’s territory. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Oman Mining Development Company and the Botswana-based exploration company, aimed at identifying and developing new deposits of critical minerals. This initiative is part of President Duma Boko’s effort to reduce the country’s dependence on diamonds which account for about one-third of government revenue by diversifying its sources of mining revenue.
The most spectacular aspect of this partnership is the Maun solar project, for which the cornerstone was laid on April 16, 2026 just three days after the agreements were signed in Muscat. This 500 MW photovoltaic power plant, coupled with a 500 MWh battery storage system, is the largest solar infrastructure project ever planned in Botswana and the second-largest energy storage project in Africa.
The project, led by the Omani company Naqaa Sustainable Energy a subsidiary of O-Green in partnership with the Botswana Power Corporation, is expected to double the country’s current electricity generation capacity. It is scheduled to come online in 2029. With more than 3,200 hours of sunshine per year and some of the highest levels of solar radiation in the world, Botswana is naturally positioned to become a regional hub for solar energy.
These agreements are part of President Duma Boko’s strategy to increase the share of renewable energy to 50% of the electricity mix by 2030, up from about 8% currently. As the president stated during the launch ceremony, this project is “a clear statement that Botswana is ready to become a regional energy hub.”
This partnership with Oman also paves the way for broader cooperation, with the goal of developing projects totaling 3 GW in capacity, positioning Botswana as a major player in the energy transition in Southern Africa.
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