Shumba Energy has begun its journey as a power producer by breaking ground on the P1 billion Tati Solar Project, a landmark renewable-energy development for Botswana.
The Botswana Stock Exchange-listed company revealed that the green light has been given to the contractor, with teams already mobilising at the 100MW solar photovoltaic site near Francistown. The goal is to launch commercial operations by 2027.
Spanning roughly 160 hectares in Botswana’s North-East District, the project is expected to create about 600 construction jobs and supply power to the Southern African Power Pool, boosting energy security for Botswana and its neighbours.
“The commencement of construction underscores the strength of this flagship partnership and advances Shumba’s commitment to delivering competitive, clean energy that supports Botswana’s energy security and contributes to the regional market,” the company said in announcing the milestone this week.
Breaking ground on Tati Solar is a milestone for Shumba and a bold step in Botswana’s quest to diversify its energy mix, reduce reliance on imports and harness its abundant solar resources.
The development follows several advances highlighted in Shumba’s latest quarterly market update, in which management reported “continued strategic progress” across its portfolio and reaffirmed its objective of delivering utility-scale renewable-energy generation by 2027.
According to the update, the Tati Solar Project entered the construction mobilisation phase following the execution of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract in December 2025. Management also reported “substantive progress towards financial close”, a key requirement for the project’s successful delivery.
Shumba’s ambitions extend beyond solar, with momentum building across other key assets. Talks with Indian government-backed entities could fast-track the Sechaba Project, a proposed 300MW independent power producer linked to significant coal resources. Progress is also under way at Morupule South, where efforts are focused on securing export routes and port access for coal shipments.
Tati Solar is owned through Tati Solar (Pty) Ltd, with Etavi Renewables holding a controlling 51 percent stake and an equity partner holding the remaining 49 percent. Shumba maintains a 75 percent interest in Etavi Renewables through its wholly owned subsidiary, Asase Investments.
The project is a cornerstone of Shumba’s wider vision to address Southern Africa’s persistent power shortages through a mix of renewable energy, coal, thermal generation and innovative fuel technologies.
In its quarterly update for the period ended 31 March 2026, published in May, management reiterated its belief in “the pivotal role of coal and related technologies in providing stable, economical baseload energy for the 21st century” while continuing to pursue renewable-energy projects such as Tati Solar.
Shumba’s ambitions extend beyond solar, with momentum building across other key assets. Talks with Indian government-backed entities could fast-track the Sechaba Project, a proposed 300MW independent power producer linked to significant coal resources. Progress is also under way at Morupule South, where efforts are focused on securing export routes and port access for coal shipments.
At the same time, Shumba is in negotiations with a South Korean energy fund to secure financing for the ambitious 600MW Mabesekwa power project, with a final funding proposal expected before the end of the year.
Although breaking ground on Tati Solar is a significant breakthrough, Shumba’s latest update acknowledges ongoing challenges across its broader portfolio.
Several projects remain dependent on securing financing, achieving financial close and finalising agreements with strategic partners. The Sechaba Project is still subject to commercial negotiations, including discussions around price-escalation mechanisms, while the Mabesekwa coal-to-liquids initiative awaits the conclusion of manufacturing and performance-guarantee arrangements necessary for implementation.
As it expands, Shumba is continuing to invest in project development, spending about US$80,000 on Tati Solar during the last quarter and closing the period with US$624,297 in cash. With additional funding secured through borrowings, careful cash management and continued access to capital remain crucial as several projects move closer to execution. For shareholders, seeing Tati Solar move from blueprint to construction is evidence that Shumba’s long-term vision is taking shape. For Botswana, the project represents a landmark clean-energy investment, paving the way for greater energy independence, regional power exports and long-term economic growth. If completed on schedule, Tati Solar will stand as Botswana’s flagship renewable-energy project and a defining milestone in the country’s evolving energy landscape.
