The University of Botswana Clean Energy Research Centre SOLTRAIN team in Botswana, in partnership with UNDP Botswana, undertook manpower development workshops in Botash and Morupule Coal Mine, two leading mining companies in Botswana.
The first training took the team to Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd, also commonly known as Botash. The workshop in Botash attracted 30 participants including staff of Botash and participants from the surrounding Sowa community representing different governmental and non-governmental organizations. In his welcome speech, the acting Managing Director of Botash, Mr Otusitse Seokamo, lauded SOLTRAIN project for contributing to manpower development in Botswana.
The second training course took the SOLTRAIN team to Morupule Coal Mine (MCM), where the team was received by the CEO, Mr Edwin Elias. He was enthused with the partnership that is intended to promote cleaner processes for the industry and the host community. He expressed gratitude to the SOLTRAIN team for this opportunity. A total number of 43 participants, including selected MCM employees and key suppliers, participated in the workshop. The workshop focused on the importance of solar energy and its practical integration into industrial and community settings. Topics covered included solar thermal technology, energy efficiency, and sustainable development principles relevant to Botswana’s energy transition goals.
Speaking during both workshops, the then UNDP SDP Programme Manager, Ms Boitumelo Mbaakanyi, emphasized that the capacity building initiative is a product of the partnership between UNDP SDP and SOLTRAIN. In his remarks, the SOLTRAIN project leader, Prof Kevin Nwaigwe, lauded Botash and MCM respectively for seizing the opportunity to develop manpower and empower citizen entrepreneurs. He noted that the SOLTRAIN project is poised to continue her contributions towards developing critically needed manpower in the renewable energy sector. He encouraged participants to pay attention and benefit from the various topics for the workshop. The training providers included Mr Kago Rabasoma and Dr Kobamelo Mashaba.
As part of SOLTRAIN gender and diversity promotion initiatives, participants included 16 female participants to the workshops.
