Local celebrities test-drive EVs
In an effort to push Botswana’s green energy ambitions, President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi officially presented electric vehicles (EVs) and personalized number plates to prominent Botswana figures, including athletes, beauty queens, and influencers, during an event held in Gaborone last week.
The EVs, supplied for a year, aim to collect real-world data and personal experiences, which will be shared with the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI). This ceremony also marked the launch of personalized number plates in Botswana, introduced by Minister of Transport and Public Works, Eric Mothibi Molale. At the recent EV launch, President Masisi underscored that the eMobility programme aligns with Botswana's vision to establish a fully automated EV assembly plant within the country. Addressing the media, Masisi revealed that he, together with Vice
President Slumber Tsogwane, Olympic gold medalist, Letsile Tebogo, Miss Botswana Anicia Gaothusi and other government officials would test-drive the vehicles over the coming year.
Their experiences will contribute to BITRI’s data collection efforts, which aim to measure the cars' performance in Botswana's climate and terrain. Enthused and upbeat about the EMobility programme , Masisi emphasized Botswana’s natural advantages, citing a rich supply of battery raw materials, a trainable workforce that is already a assembling the vehicles, and a favorable investment climate conditions in Botswana.
He announced a plan to allocate 3% of Botswana’s GDP by 2029 towards research and development in the EV sector, envisioning an optimistic future that includes, not only EVs but electric trains and aircraft. In collaboration with two Chinese EV manufacturers, Botswana has already trained 150 individuals in EV assembly. The country plans to build 50 cars and 30 buses this year, expanding production to include electric pickup trucks and SUVs at a semi autonomous plant in Gaborone.
President Masisi expressed confidence in the economic benefits of a local EV industry, which could generate significant employment both in direct assembly roles and within the wider supply chain, including harness production. He highlighted that upon achieving a sufficient level of local demand, Botswana intends to explore export opportunities within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Favorable tax policies, simplified goods movement, and the presence of raw battery materials position Botswana as a strategic location for EV production.
BITRI’s National eMobility Coordinator, Dr. Ecco Maje, outlined plans for 15 supercharging stations nationwide, with locations in Lobatse, Gaborone, Maun, Ghanzi, and Jwaneng to support Botswana’s push for EV adoption. Dr. Maje highlighted the importance of Botswana’s commitment to combating climate change through the eMobility initiative, aiming to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the near future. In an entertaining special showcase, President Masisi demonstrated the performance of the EVs by offering journalists a test drive experience at the State House.