In 2023, more than half of Botswana’s electricity consumption came from fossil fuels: about 57%, with coal alone accounting for 55%. Net imports supplied another 43%, making imported electricity a major part of the country’s supply. Domestic low-carbon generation contributed close to none—roughly 0.2%. The data do not identify the sources of imported electricity, so those imports cannot be classified as either clean or fossil-based.

Is Electricity Growing in Botswana?

Botswana’s electricity consumption per person remains below its historical peak. In 2023, consumption was about 1,820 kWh per person, compared with roughly 2,010 kWh in 2015—a decline of about 194 kWh, or nearly 10%. This comparison does not establish the latest year-on-year trend, but it shows that the previous record has not been regained. Low-carbon electricity generation also remained stagnant at just 4 kWh per person, matching its 2019 record. This lack of clean electricity growth is concerning as electrification and emerging demand, including AI, require more electricity.

Suggestions

Botswana can increase clean electricity generation by prioritizing solar deployment and considering nuclear power, including through regional cooperation. Neighboring Namibia, where solar supplies 11% of electricity generation, offers a particularly relevant example. Sunny regions such as Chile and the US state of Nevada demonstrate greater solar contributions, at about 24% and 35%, respectively. Botswana could learn from these places when developing large solar projects, rooftop systems, and supporting grid infrastructure. For dependable low-carbon generation alongside solar, it should also explore nuclear development: the United Arab Emirates generates about 20% of its electricity from nuclear, while France generates roughly two-thirds. Expanding solar and nuclear would help meet growing electricity needs while reducing reliance on coal and its associated air pollution and climate impacts.

History

Botswana’s reported solar history shows little momentum from the early 2010s through 2023. Every annual change listed between 2012 and 2023 was 0 TWh, indicating no measurable increase at the precision provided. These rounded figures do not necessarily mean that solar generation was absent or that no small changes occurred, but they show no substantial expansion in the supplied record. Moving beyond this prolonged stagnation toward sustained growth in clean electricity should be a priority.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade