The Ngamiland Property Expo held its second edition of their Green Energy Campaign on Friday at the Mall of Maun, reinforcing its vision of steering Botswana towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Themed “Investing in Renewable Energy for Sustainable Infrastructure by the Year 2036,” the event brought together innovators, academics, entrepreneurs, and the general public in a shared mission to champion green practices.
At the heart of the expo was a lively panel discussion featuring Seloilwe Seloilwe, founder of the Ngamiland Property Expo; Professor Joseph Mbaiwa, a professor of tourism studies and former Director of the Okavango Research Institute under the University of Botswana; Mike Sithole, Energy Engineer of Shield Electricals.
Seloilwe emphasised the need for policy shifts at both government and institutional levels to encourage green energy adoption across sectors. He advocated for practical, community-driven solutions such as expanding access to solar energy—that make sustainable living more accessible for the average Motswana.
“We need to bridge the gap between intention and implementation,” Seloilwe said. “Green energy should be a lifestyle that our people can afford and integrate.”
Professor Joseph Mbaiwa brought an academic perspective, sharing outcomes from research projects that advocate for the replacement of fossil fuels with solar power in Botswana’s tourism camps. He highlighted Xigera Camp in the Okavango Delta as a leading example, having successfully transitioned to 100% solar energy through the installation of a solar farm.
“It’s proof those academic recommendations, when implemented, can produce tangible and sustainable results,” Mbaiwa said.
Rounding off the discussion was Sithole, who showcased fully functional solar systems at his stall. His demonstration included solar panels, battery packs, and portable energy systems tailored for domestic, travel, and even off-grid use. His message was clear: ‘Sustainable energy is not only possible, it’s practical and within reach.’
Botswana, though one of the lowest carbon emitters globally, ranked 130th in the world by emissions as of recent studies, remains highly vulnerable to climate change due to its dependence on fossil fuels and growing infrastructure demands. However, the country is well-positioned to lead in solar energy innovation. With abundant sunlight and clear skies for most of the year, experts argue that Botswana is underutilizing one of its greatest renewable resources.
Green practices are gaining traction, particularly in remote and tourism-heavy regions like the Okavango Delta, where solar powered camps are becoming the norm. Government initiatives under the National Energy Policy and Vision 2036 are also pushing for diversified and sustainable energy solutions, including off-grid solar systems, solar street lighting, and hybrid energy systems in public infrastructure.
The Expo also featured a range of exhibitors such as Sharp Solutions and Water Africa, who displayed solar-powered borehole systems, water purifiers, and energy efficient batteries. Sponsors ranged from local security firms to eco-technology suppliers, showing a growing interest from multiple sectors in green innovations.
As the event came to a close, it became evident that the Ngamiland Property Expo is more than a gathering of stakeholders—it’s a launchpad for Botswana’s green future. Seloilwe’s dream of a nation driven by sustainable energy and infrastructure is slowly materializing, and judging by the turnout and enthusiasm, it’s a future that Batswana are ready to embrace.
