The 8th SOLTRAIN+ conference, hosted by the Clean Energy Research Centre University of Botswana, a memory gathering of enthusiastic energy experts, practitioners, scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders.
It was an activity-packed week as the eighth edition of the SOLTRAIN conference took place in Gaborone, Botswana from 24 – 28 February 2025. It was held alongside the SADC Sustainable Energy Week (SADC SEW).
The week commenced with an opening ceremony delivered by President of Botswana, His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, who called for urgent action to ensure energy security in Southern Africa as described in Selma Festus’ SEW summary.
Technical Training & Presentations
The second day of the conference featured a specialized course on inspection and quality assurance of solar thermal installations (morning session), and a technical session for oral/poster presentations (afternoon session).
Mr. Rudolf Moschik, AEE INTEC Austria, led the specialized course and emphasized the need for collector testing facilities within the region and more vigorous regulatory enforcement for solar thermal systems in Africa. Welcoming participants to the course, Prof Kevin Nwaigwe, Botswana SOLTRAIN+ Leader, emphasized the need for participants to take good advantage of this capacity-building session that is capable of imparting necessary skills for entrepreneurial activities in the energy sector. The session attracted over 30 participants, and a certificate of attendance was issued to participants.
The afternoon session featured the presentation of technical papers and posters, chaired by Prof. Oboetswe S. Motsamai from the University of Botswana (UB) and Mr. Martin Lugmayr from UNIDO. Technical papers were presented by the following authors - Mr. Tlhalefo Letsholo (Optimization of Solar Thermal Storage Systems for Residential Buildings: A Case Study of Hot Water Demand in Gaborone, Botswana), and Mr. Loeto Segwabe (Exploration of Sand as a Sensible Thermal Energy Storage Medium in Botswana). The poster pitch speakers included Mr. Rudolf Moschik (Monitoring Results of Installed Solar Thermal Systems in the Southern African Region), Ms. Karen Gibson (Effectively Increasing the Participation of Women in the RHC Sector through SOLTRAIN+), and Mr. Lesley Modiradilo (Overview of phase change materials for thermal storage). The technical session was very expository, with participants engaging the displayed posters and oral presenters.
SOLTRAIN Conference on Day 3
Day 3, themed “Advancing Solar Thermal Technologies for Sustainable Energy: Innovations, Applications, and Future Directions,” began with an official opening by the Botswana Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, represented by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals and Energy
In his welcome speech, Prof David Norris, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Botswana, lauded the role played by SOLTRAIN+ in manpower development and energy security in Botswana. He emphasized that the University of Botswana, through the Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC), had utilized the project to train over 600 experts and attracted several demonstration projects to Botswana.
Speaking earlier, Her Excellency Ambassador Romana Konigsbrun, Austrian Ambassador to South Africa, highlighted the impressive collaboration between Southern Africa and Austria in the implementation of the SOLTRAIN project and lauded the many achievements of the project. Mr Mr. Kudakwashe Ndhlukula, Executive Director of SACREEE, emphasized SOLTRAIN+’s critical role in energy access and efficiency promotion across the SADC region. Mr. Manfred Burstmayr from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) highlighted Austria’s enduring partnership through SOLTRAIN+’s three pillars: capacity building (with over 9,000 professionals trained), demonstration systems (over 900 installations), and solar thermal policy development.
Mr. Wolfgang Gruber-Glatzl, the SOLTRAIN+ International Project Leader, outlined the many impacts of the SOLTRAIN+ project in the six partner countries and gave an indication of the future activities of the project towards contribution to energy security in SADC.
The opening ceremony, anchored by Ms Refilwe Molatlhiwa – Founder, Biogas Systems Africa and Co-Founder, Society of Women Engineers Botswana, included a panel discussion on Energy Policies and Net Zero Goals, moderated by Ms Lebo Sebobi, ESG Manager, Norsad Capital. The discussion brought together high-level policymakers and energy leaders to explore regional strategies for achieving net-zero targets and advancing renewable energy goals. The panellists included Mr. Midas Sekgabo - representing the Minister of Minerals and Energy Botswana, Hon. Makozo Chikote – Minister of Energy Zambia, Ms. Mpho Mosate – Executive Head of Sustainability and Safety, Debswana Diamond Company, Mr. Christoph Brunner - CEO AEE INTEC Austria, and Prof. Edward Dintwa – Dean Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Botswana.
The discussion reinforced the need to increase solar and wind infrastructure investments, develop storage solutions, deregulate power generation markets, and strengthen regional energy trade frameworks.
Call for Gender Equality by Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs
Another major highlight of the day was the speech by the Botswana Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Hon. Lesego Chombo during the Gender Mainstreaming session. She emphasized the disproportionate effects of energy poverty on women and girls and the urgency of integrating gender considerations into clean energy policies. Hon. Chombo noted that women constitute only 20% of the energy workforce and called for vocational training, inclusive leadership, and youth engagement in climate-smart sectors. Her presence electrified the venue as she motivated all young people to aspire to high positions and never feel inadequate.
Several exciting sessions took place on the day including a session on the application of solar thermal technology in SADC countries moderated by Prof Samson Mhlanga from National University of Science and Technology Zimbabwe, a session on gender mainstreaming moderated by Ms Lebo Sebobi from Norsad Capital Botswana, and a session on solar thermal initiatives and advances moderated by Dr Karen Surridge from the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) South Africa. Notable speakers within these sessions included Mr. Rudolf Moschik from AEE INTEC, Ms. Boitumelo Mbaakanyi from UNDP Botswana, Dr. Francois Rozon from Stellenbosch University, Mr. Sebota Mokeke from the National University of Lesotho, Ms Selma Festus (SOLTRAIN Gender Core Team member from SACREEE), Ms Tahwa Peter-Ollyn (Botswana SOLTRAIN Gender Manager from UB-CERC), Ms Kate Maphage (Managing Director, SolarOne Pty Botswana), Mr. Kago Rabasoma from the University of Botswana Clean Energy Research Centre, Mr. David Volkwyn from Greenline Africa, Ms. Monika Spoerk-Duer from AEE INTEC Austria, Ms. Helvi Ileka from the Namibia Energy Institute, and Ms. Matshidiso Moile from Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI).
The 8th SOLTRAIN+ conference main event ended with final remarks by Mr Wolfgang Gruber-Glatzl, International SOLTRAIN+ Project Leader, and Prof Kevin N. Nwaigwe, Botswana SOLTRAIN+ Project Leader. In his remarks, Mr Gruber-Glatzl commended attendees and guests for being part of the discussions celebrating the achievements of SOLTRAIN+ in SADC. He equally thanked the Clean Energy Research Centre, University of Botswana for the well organised 8th SOLTRAIN+ conference. In his remarks, Prof Nwaigwe expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the conference and commended all facilitators for their roles. A highlight of the session was the award of certificates for the best paper and best poster by the evaluation committee of the technical session. Mr Loeto Segwabe received the award for the best paper while Mr Rudi Moschik received the award for the best poster. The session ended with a cumulative attendance of over 350 participants. It was announced that the 9th SOLTRAIN+ conference will take place in Zimbabwe.
Youth, Gender & Entrepreneurship in Energy on Day 4
The activities of the 8th SOLTRAIN+ conference continued on Thursday 27 February 2025 with a Youth, Gender, and Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Energy session jointly organised by SOLTRAIN+, IRENA and UNIDO. The session was chaired by Mr. Kago Rabasoma from the University of Botswana, with a keynote speech by Mr. Manfred Bürstmayr of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). The session featured two panel discussions.
The first panel discussion on “Initiatives towards promoting gender, youth, and entrepreneurship activities/education of youth for energy transition” was moderated by Ms. Shamil Agosi from Square Gate Group Botswana. Speakers included Ms Karen Gibson from SOLTRAIN Gender Core team, Ms Linda Moseki from the Southern African Federation of Engineering Organisation (SAFEO), Mr. Hyacinth Elayo from the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), and Ms. Nandini Venkata from Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET). The panellists issued a call to action directed towards governments, educational institutions, private investors, and regional entities to enhance and scale inclusive energy solutions while supporting grassroots innovators. The session culminated in a robust consensus affirming that youth and women must be positioned at the forefront of Africa’s sustainable energy transition. The second panel discussion titled ‘Financing gender, youth, and entrepreneurship start-ups was moderated by Mr Martin Lugmayr from UNIDO. Speakers included Ms. Kiesha Farnum from the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), Ms. Jane Nakasamu from Greenbelt Energy Limited, Ms. Kavita Rai from IRENA, Mr. Wolfgang Gruber-Glatzl from AEE INTEC Austria, and Mr. Gosata Kgari from Stanbic Bank Botswana. The panel session concluded with a consensus regarding the subsequent key policy actions: establishing dedicated financing mechanisms for youth and women entrepreneurs in clean energy; strengthening incubation and mentorship ecosystems; promoting public-private partnerships for startup support; leveraging technology platforms for networking, training, and access to capital; and encouraging cross-border knowledge exchange to scale inclusive energy innovations.
Technical Tours and Exhibitions
The activities of the 8th SOLTRAIN+ conference ended on Friday 28 February 2025, with a technical tour of solar water heating installations at the University of Botswana and the collector test centre at Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI). The tour was coordinated by Mr Okatoseng Masoso, from the Clean Energy Research Centre, University of Botswana. At the University of Botswana, participants visited 8x2500 litres water heating storage systems, with a combined collector area of 239 m2. The installation provides hot water to 8 residential/hostel accommodations for on-campus students. The system unit comprises a 2,500-liter hot water storage tank with internal heat exchangers, supported by real-time remote monitoring capability that captures data on temperature, solar radiation, and energy savings. Delegates learned that this system has halved the university’s electricity costs, demonstrating significant financial and environmental benefits. At BITRI, participants explored the technical foundations of solar thermal technologies. BITRI’s facility is a specialized laboratory for testing the efficiency and durability of solar thermal collectors, particularly under the unique climatic conditions of Botswana. The centre conducts rigorous testing processes, including exposure to heat, rain penetration, internal pressure assessments, and impact resistance. Plans are underway to achieve ISO accreditation, positioning BITRI as a regional hub for solar collector certification. Presenters emphasized the urgent need for regulatory enforcement of quality standards, especially to limit the influx of substandard solar thermal products into the market. The tour highlighted consumer education, stressing the importance of awareness regarding collector specifications such as glass thickness and pressure thresholds. Delegates also discussed the implications of water quality on the longevity of thermal systems and the broader potential of this facility to enhance regional manufacturing competitiveness.
Another key component of the 8th SOLTRAIN+ conference is the exhibition by the Clean Energy Research Centre, University of Botswana. The solar trailer was exhibited from 24 – 26 February 2025, coordinated by Dr Kobamelo Mashaba. He was assisted by Ms Segolame Phegelo and Mr Karabo Moroanare. Over 150 participants visited the trailer during the exhibition period, including high-level delegates. The trailer demonstrated two technologies to participants – a thermosyphon system and a forced circulation system. Visitors to the trailer received leaflets detailing the activities of SOLTRAIN+ and souvenirs donated by the University of Botswana.
The 8th SOLTRAIN+ conference was indeed a memory gathering of enthusiastic energy experts, practitioners, scholars, policymakers and stakeholders. Visit the SOLTRAIN Facebook page for pictures of the event and feel free to tag yourself!
