Botswana’s President Duma Boko and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Monday presided over the signing of wide-ranging agreements aimed at strengthening Botswana’s energy security and mineral development.
The centrepiece of the accords is a 500MW solar photovoltaic plant with battery storage, a project expected to significantly boost Botswana’s renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on imported power.
The agreements, concluded in the Omani capital Muscat, also include a joint exploration pact between the Botswana Geo-Science Institute and Minerals Development Oman.
The partnership will focus on unlocking value in copper, gold, graphite and iron ore as Botswana seeks to diversify its economy beyond diamonds.
In addition, Oman’s OQ S.A.O.C. and Botswana Oil Limited signed a joint development agreement to advance petroleum infrastructure projects, including coastal storage facilities in Namibia’s Walvis Bay and the Tshele Hills Strategic Petroleum Depot.
These initiatives are designed to strengthen supply chains and bolster national resilience.
Boko is on an official visit to Oman during which he is seeking to deepen Botswana’s international partnerships in pursuit of sustainable growth.
JN/APA