In a powerful call to action, Vice President Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe encouraged captains of the renewable energy industry to set their sights higher and dream beyond the targets previously established. He made these remarks during his official address this morning at the National Renewable Energy Dialogue, held at Botho University in Gaborone.
Gaolathe emphasized that in the “new Botswana,” citizens and industries alike have the freedom to envision greater achievements, pushing beyond the boundaries of current expectations. He noted that the country’s renewable energy sector is on the cusp of remarkable growth, particularly in solar energy, due to Botswana’s abundance of natural resources. With 3,200 hours of sunshine annually, the Vice President stated that Botswana is ideally positioned to become a leading hub for solar energy generation in Africa.
In his address, Gaolathe reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly the nation’s target of reducing carbon footprints by 15% by 2030. However, he expressed optimism that this goal could be revisited and raised, as the country’s natural advantages offer significant potential for even greater progress.
“The time has come to elevate our vision,” Gaolathe said. “Let us aim higher, let us work together, and let us make Botswana a beacon of renewable energy excellence.”
Urging the dialogue’s participants to approach the renewable energy industry with ambition and foresight, Gaolathe encouraged them to cultivate their visions with knowledge, integrity, and a sense of unity. “No man is an island,” he reminded the audience, stressing the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders—government, businesses, and communities—in achieving the national renewable energy goals.
He concluded his speech with an inspiring message, encouraging everyone present to “Live again, Dream again, and Laugh again.” This powerful mantra encapsulated his belief in a brighter, more sustainable future for Botswana.
The National Renewable Energy Dialogue is a pivotal event aimed at gathering commitment from all sectors to position Botswana as a leader in solar energy generation and distribution. With such bold leadership and a forward-thinking approach, the future of renewable energy in Botswana looks increasingly promising.
