President Masisi Visits SOLTRAIN exhibition Stand at National Adaptation Plans Expo 2022
The President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, visited the Southern African Solar Thermal Training and Demonstration Initiative (SOLTRAIN) exhibition stand at the just ended 2022 National Adaptation Plans Expo held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC). The SOLTRAIN team comprises the Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC), University of Botswana and the Solar Industries Association of Botswana (SIAB).
During his visit, the President emphasized the need to advance the activities of SOLTRAIN in Botswana to include local manufacturing of solar geysers and other accessories. He pledged government’s willingness to support initiatives in that direction and invited the SOLTRAIN team to liaise with government towards achieving this mandate.
Welcoming the President, Professor Kevin Nwaigwe, the team lead for SOLTRAIN Botswana, explained the activities of SOLTRAIN in manpower development, knowledge transfer, CO2 emissions reduction and uptake of solar technology through subsidised demonstration system.
He noted that SOLTRAIN activities had led to working partnerships with different organisations in Botswana including Botswana Defence Force and Debswana. Other members of the SOLTRAIN team at the exhibition included Ms Karen Gibson, Secretary of SIAB, and Mr Letsholo Tlhalefo, the lead exhibitor.
The SOLTRAIN trailer attracted about 30 visitors daily, including over 60 visitors on Wednesday August 24 2022, during the President’s visit. The National Adaptation Plans Expo, which held from August 22 – 26, 2022, featured over 70 exhibitors from all over the country who showcased their adaptation projects.
The President challenged all participants to advance their activities towards impactful climate change adaptation. The President was accompanied by several government officials including ministers, permanent secretaries, international agencies, and the media.