Energy-starved Botswana seeks US support as it banks on coal

By Julian Pecquet, in Washington

Posted on Tuesday, 7 March 2023 14:17, updated on Friday, 10 March 2023 20:03
Morupule Thermal Power Station, one of Botswana's coal-fired power stations. (John, Wikimedia Commons CC)

Botswana is looking to get the US government and private sector on board as the coal-rich African nation seeks to balance its enviable environmental record with soaring regional energy needs.

Last month, state-owned Botswana Oil Limited hired multinational law firm DLA Piper in support of its plans to transform coal into liquid fuels, according to a recently disclosed filing with the US Department of Justice. The firm was tasked with helping arrange meetings with government officials in Washington and energy sector leaders in Texas.