Current situation:

• Electrification rate: less than 45%,

• 237 villages connected

• Grid: To be extended to 130 villages

• Off grid project target: 50W SHS to 50,000 households in 500 villages through fee-for-service, through franchisees.

• Franchisees will also sell solar lanterns, battery-charging systems, and improved stoves at kiosks in the villages.

Gender mainstreaming

The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is undertaking a gender mainstreaming project into its grid and off grid projects. The aim of the project is to ensure that the energy needs of both women and men are taken into account during planning and implementation of energy projects. BPC will benefit from this project in two ways. Firstly, it will increase connection rates and access levels in rural areas by both men and women. Currently, connection rates are low in rural areas and this has been a major challenge for the BPC. Secondly, gender mainstreaming is in line with Botswana Government policies on gender equity. The outcome of the project includes:

• The inclusion of gender aspects in the Botswana Rural electrification Programme (grid and off-grid).
• Increased connection rates and access levels by women to the grid and off-grid in rural areas.
• Increased women’s energy based income generating opportunities.
• Increased women participation in energy decision making and energy management.
• Increased understanding of the different energy needs of men and women.

The project will take place in four villages in Botswana: Medie and Dikgatlho which are not connected to the grid and Lentsweletau and Kopong which are connected to the grid. The project started in September 2009 and it is expected to end in November 2010.