Strengthening regional power integration and mobilising RE investment across Southern African BELMN States
2026
Context and Opportunity
The BELMN region (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Namibia) faces rising electricity demand amid ageing infrastructure, and persistent supply constraints, leaving many rural and underserved communities without reliable access to power. Several countries in the region rely on underperforming thermal assets and electricity imports, creating fiscal pressure and heightening energy security risks.
Despite these constraints, BELMN1 States hold strong renewable energy resources (RE) including world-class solar resources, substantial hydro and wind potential, and existing interconnection through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). Ongoing regional supply shortages and market reforms e.g., South Africa’s shift to a wholesale competitive power market model in 2026, strengthen the commercial case for new power generation and transmission.
Key Intervention Highlights
Energy projects Pipeline
96
RE and grid projects identified across BELMN
Investment requirement
£25+ Bn
capex required to unlock projects in the region
Investors engaged
200+
investors engaged across two Investor
Forums
Growth Gateway supported BELMN governments and regional partners to strengthen renewable energy pipelines, unlock private sector investment, and accelerate cross-border power trade through targeted market analysis, project prioritisation, and investor engagement. The initiative focused on mobilising capital into bankable, Net Zero-aligned projects, expanding energy access, reducing system costs, and reinforcing regional integration.
Support Provided
Evaluated BELMN Energy Landscape And Identified Investment Barriers
- Assessed BELMN energy markets, projected demand, and identified investment barriers
- Estimated 22M residents lack electricity access
- Projected ~55 TWh electricity demand across BELMN by 2030
- Mapped regulatory and bankability barriers to off-grid investment (e.g., opaque public tendering rules)
Impact Achieved
22 M
rural residents estimated to be without electricity access
Identified 10 Priority Renewable Energy And Grid Projects For Investment
- Prioritised 10 priority projects with UK commercial opportunities from a pipeline of 96 RE and grid projects worth £25B+, based on financial viability, implementation feasibility, and impact
- Developed project deep dives for dissemination with investors
- Mapped relevant project contact persons to drive further engagement and meaningful impact
£25 Bn+
investment opportunity identified across 96 RE and grid projects
Identified 10 Priority Renewable Energy And Grid Projects For Investment
- Designed a country-agnostic Green Growth Partnership Agreement (GGPA) MoU template to align UK-BELMN clean energy priorities, coordinate delivery, and mobilise investment into priority projects
- Agreement framework is based on previous agreements in other African countries, is non-binding, and can be adapted by countries
3/5 countries
expressed interest in further developing agreements
Hosted A Panel Of World-class Speakers To Showcase RE For Mining Potential
- Convened senior leaders from mining, energy, finance, and government to explore how to structure, finance, and deliver bankable RE solutions to support critical minerals growth
- Shared the BELMN RE and grid projects pipeline with session participants to catalyse further engagement and impact
146
in-person and virtual attendees at panel discussion
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