Surat entrepreneurs to make Botswana hub of Renewable Energy

Surat | Gujarat –— If all goes well, the entrepreneurs in the diamond city of Surat, including South Gujarat will turn Botswana, an African country known for its rich deposits of diamonds and other minerals,  into a hub of renewable energy. Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy Bokolo Joy has invited Surat entrepreneurs to invest in the renewable energy sector in Botswana and participate in the development.

Bokolo Joy, while addressing the entrepreneurs at the ‘Explore Botswana’ event organied by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) said, “Our economic direction is absolutely clear. Botswana is now moving at a rapid pace towards diversification. We are not limited to the export of raw materials and minerals, but are moving firmly towards value addition, manufacturing, services and technology. We invite investments that create jobs, transfer skills, as well as strengthen our capabilities and production capacity and build a strong supply chain. We are not inviting anyone to just mine and go out, but to come and invest in Botswana, become partners in development and grow together in the long term.”

He further said that renewable energy is the backbone of industrialization in Botswana. Our government is moving towards modernization and high quality energy solutions in the energy system. We are also expanding the regional value chain. We have strong institutions, transparent governance and protectable policies to protect investments, so there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs from Surat in solar and wind energy in Botswana. The relationship between Botswana and India is based on democratic values, mutual respect and strong people-to-people ties.

KP Group Chairman Farooq Patel said that KP Group will invest Rs. 36,000 crore in Botswana’s renewable energy projects to fulfill Botswana’s zero emission commitment. For this, KP Group has signed an MoU with the Government of Botswana. According to this MoU, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals of Botswana will jointly develop renewable energy with the KP Group and take Botswana’s clean energy to 5 gigawatts.

He said that 12,000 Indians live in Botswana. Due to renewable energy projects, Indians and local residents will get employment there. In addition, under the scholarship program, 30 students from Botswana will be made to study renewable energy at P.P. Savani University in Surat. All the expenses of these students will be borne by the KP Group. He further said that the work should be done in a way that benefits the human and the planet and that the coming generation will remember.