In a recent engagement highlighting the growing role of women in Botswana’s energy sector, Women in Energy paid a courtesy call to Minister of Minerals and Energy, Honourable Bogolo Kenewendo. The organisation, founded in 2013 by six female engineers from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), has expanded its influence through capacity building, technology-driven solutions, and mentorship programmes aimed at empowering women and supporting communities.
During the meeting, the organisation presented a flagship project: a clean cooking initiative currently active in Sese and Maboane. Funded by a grant from De Beers, the initiative addresses unsafe and inefficient cooking practices that continue to affect households across Botswana. Ms Ogaofi Setlhogile, representing Women in Energy, requested the Ministry’s formal endorsement and collaboration to strengthen the initiative’s impact and reach.
Minister Kenewendo praised the organisation for uniting women in the energy sector and addressing practical community challenges. She highlighted the significance of clean cooking solutions, noting that unsafe cooking practices remain a critical concern in Botswana. The Minister encouraged continued innovation and collaboration to ensure that initiatives like this contribute to healthier households and sustainable energy practices nationwide.
The engagement underscores the increasing influence of women in shaping Botswana’s energy landscape and demonstrates the value of partnerships between government and community-driven initiatives to address pressing energy and environmental issues.
