Amid accelerating global imperatives for decarbonisation, Botswana is strategically positioning itself as a frontrunner in Southern Africa’s low-carbon energy transition, demonstrating a clear commitment to sustainable economic transformation. In line with this moment, RMB, the Corporate Investment Banking division of First National Bank Botswana, hosted a CEOs Roundtable on Renewable Energy. This landmark engagement brought together policymakers, regulators, industry, and development finance to align on the practical pathways needed to transition Botswana to a low-carbon, resilient energy economy.
“This initiative reflects RMB’s unwavering commitment to driving Botswana’s sustainable development through innovative, fit-for-purpose financial solutions. By mobilising over P500 million in green investments locally, and over P1.3 billion regionally, RMB is not only enabling the country’s transition to cleaner energy but also cementing its role as a trusted partner in shaping a greener, more resilient future,” said FNB Botswana CEO, Mr Steven Lefentse Bogatsu.
The roundtable, held in Gaborone, brought together leaders from the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA), multinational mining houses, independent power producers, and industry experts. The gathering served not just as a dialogue, but as a deliberate intervention to fast-track the realisation of Botswana’s energy mix target of 50/50 by 2030, with particular emphasis on scalable partnerships and unlocking innovative funding mechanisms.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Harriet Mlalazi, Director, RMB Botswana, remarked, “This is a signal of intent. As RMB, we understand that sustainable development requires more than capital; it demands foresight, alignment, and the courage to lead. By creating a space where the government and the private sector can converge around shared goals, we are laying the groundwork for long-term impact. Our investments and partnerships reflect a firm belief that Botswana can emerge as a regional leader in renewable energy, and that financial institutions like ours have a duty to help actualise that vision.”
At the heart of the engagement was a shared recognition that Botswana stands at a pivotal inflexion point. With global momentum shifting toward sustainability, the country is uniquely positioned to leapfrog traditional energy models and build a modern energy system that is both inclusive and future-fit. The conversations unpacked key areas such as the Just Energy Transition and its estimated USD 1.1 to 1.4 billion financing requirement, highlighting how blended finance instruments and public-private collaboration can reduce risk, attract private capital, and ensure equitable outcomes.
Delegates also examined the strategic potential of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) as a market-aligned tool for corporate decarbonisation, and the monetisation of carbon credits as a mechanism to enhance project viability, particularly in the context of low- tariff environments. Further, the forum explored lessons from Namibia’s Model in relation to the unbundling of BPC, a reform widely viewed as a critical enabler of market liberalisation and investor confidence.
The roundtable provided a valuable forum for technical exchange while reinforcing RMB’s continued role as a collaborative partner in shaping Africa’s growth trajectory through purposeful strategic engagement.
Through this engagement, RMB reasserts its place at the forefront of Botswana’s development agenda, not as a passive financier but as an active enabler of transformation. The bank’s vision is firmly rooted in shared prosperity, where economic growth is not pursued in isolation but achieved through inclusive, climate-resilient systems that empower communities and future generations. By leveraging innovative financing solutions and strategic partnerships, the bank actively shapes a resilient and inclusive growth model that balances commercial viability with sustainable development.
