In its efforts to enhance Botswana’s capacity in renewable energy training, BPC Training Centre has partnered with Cardiff and Vale College, a UK-based institution in Wales, to support the development of the centre’s first-ever Green Solar Energy Curriculum.
The initiative is part of the ongoing British Council’s TVET partnerships focused on advancing green skills and sustainable technologies.
From the 1st to 4th April 2025, a delegation from Cardiff and Vale College conducted a scoping visit to BPC Training Centre’s campuses in Gaborone and Palapye.
The mission focused on curriculum design, stakeholder engagement, and identifying infrastructural and regulatory needs for effective solar energy training and delivery.
High-Level recognition of UK-Botswana TVET partnership
Before departing for Palapye and the Morupule B Power Station, the delegation was officially received by His Excellency Giles Enticknap, MBE, the British High Commissioner to Botswana.
The High Commissioner applauded the partnership as a reflection of the UK's continued commitment to Botswana’s development, particularly in education, energy, and climate resilience.
He emphasized that the UK-Botswana TVET partnership is well-aligned with the Government of Botswana’s national development goals, especially efforts to reposition TVET as a strategic enabler of economic diversification and growth.
The engagement also reaffirmed the value of international collaboration in fostering future-ready skills.
Endorsement from Botswana Power Corporation (BPC)
At BPC Headquarters, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Nlebgwa on behalf of the CEO of BPC.
Mr. Nlebgwa expressed his appreciation to the British Council and Cardiff and Vale College in championing green energy education.
In his remarks, Mr. Nlebgwa commended the proactive approach to skills development in renewable energy and assured delegates that BPC fully supports the partnership.
"This collaboration is timely and necessary. It will not only build the capacity of our local workforce but also support our national drive toward energy sustainability. We see this partnership going a long way in shaping the future of Botswana’s energy landscape." Mr. Nlebgwa
Curriculum Development Focus Areas
The solar energy curriculum, currently under design, will include:
1. A Solar Energy Systems Installation and Commissioning Certification short programme, inclusive of electricity grid-tie systems
2. Integration of basic project management skills to enhance employability
3. Design and launch of a solar energy apprenticeship programme to support practical hands-on learning
4. Delivery of training through a train-the-trainer model in collaboration with BPC, allowing skills to cascade across the country through certified instructors
Key Site Visits and Consultations
During the visit, Cardiff and Vale College representatives held consultations with executives from BPC Training Centre, BPC Head Office and CITF, another TVET Training Stakeholder. A technical tour of Morupule B Power Station offered valuable insights into operational energy needs and skills gaps which will inform other practical curriculum components.
Context and Relevance
The timing of the visit was relevant, coinciding with nationwide load demand management due to critical maintenance works at the Morupule B Power Station. During this week, businesses, restaurants, and hotels relied on solar lamps and backup systems —further underlining the urgent need for scalable, off-grid energy solutions.
Despite Botswana’s year-round sunshine and vast solar potential, the country remains heavily reliant on conventional electricity. This initiative seeks to close the gap by building local capacity to support solar adoption, especially in rural and under-served areas.
The growing interest in off-grid solar home systems, especially for rural and agricultural use has accelerated the demand for certified professionals who can install, manage, and maintain solar infrastructure. Through this partnership, BPC’s Training Centre aims to become a leading provider of green energy education in the region.
About the partnership between Cardiff and Vale College and BPC Training Centre.
The collaboration between Cardiff and Vale College and BPC began in October 2024 and will continue with a reciprocal visit scheduled for June 2025, where representatives from BPC Training Centre will travel to the UK. The visit will offer BPC’s team first hand exposure to Cardiff and Vale College green energy and efficiency department, curriculum delivery approaches, and engagements with industry professionals and trainers.
This partnership is a key milestone in fostering sustainable energy education and capacity-building in Botswana. By working together, Cardiff and Vale College and BPC Training Centre hope to contribute meaningfully to the country’s green transition, empowering local communities with the skills needed to harness clean, renewable energy.