Botswana is targeting electricity exports of at least 100 megawatts (MW) by the end of 2027, with Zambia among the potential regional markets it aims to supply as it expands domestic generation and cross-border transmission infrastructure.
The target forms part of Botswana’s broader strategy to achieve electricity self-sufficiency and transition from relying on imported power to becoming a potential net exporter within the Southern African Power Pool.
Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo said Botswana was accelerating investment in electricity generation, transmission and energy storage to strengthen supply security and support industrial development.
Recent sector reporting indicates that domestic generation met approximately 86% of Botswana’s electricity requirements in 2026, up from 67% previously. The country aims to eliminate its dependence on electricity imports while building capacity to supply neighbouring markets.
Reliable transmission infrastructure will be essential to enabling electricity trade between Botswana and Zambia. Botswana is pursuing upgrades to its north-western transmission grid, including a proposed 400-kilovolt (kV) connection to Zambia through Kazungula.
A feasibility study is underway to assess upgrading the transmission infrastructure from 200 kV to 400 kV. The project is also exploring private-sector participation through potential public-private partnership arrangements.
The planned connection could strengthen regional electricity trade, diversify supply options and improve energy security for countries facing generation constraints.
Botswana’s electricity expansion strategy also aims to provide a more reliable power supply for mining, manufacturing and other energy-intensive industries. The country is increasing investment in renewable energy alongside its existing coal-fired generation capacity, with longer-term plans to raise the contribution of renewables to 50% by 2030.
For Zambia, potential electricity imports from Botswana could provide an additional source of power as the country works to meet demand from households, businesses and the mining sector. However, the volume and timing of any exports will depend on Botswana’s generation capacity, transmission infrastructure and cross-border trading arrangements.
The proposed cooperation reflects broader efforts across Southern Africa to strengthen interconnected electricity markets, improve the utilisation of available generation capacity and reduce exposure to supply disruptions.
Achieving Botswana’s 2027 export target will depend on the timely completion of generation and transmission projects, alongside the commercial and technical agreements needed to facilitate electricity trade with Zambia and other regional partners.
