When Mopati Wabobi first saw a photograph of a power plant and transmission lines in the BIUST prospectus, he was intrigued by the scale of the infrastructure and the role engineers play in powering nations. At the time, Energy Engineering was a field he had never encountered, but that curiosity, combined with Botswana’s ongoing challenges with electricity supply, inspired him to pursue a career in the energy sector.
“I remember thinking, ‘Maybe I can be part of the solution,'” he recalls.
Today, Wabobi is a Renewable Energy Expert and Project Manager at the African Union Commission (AUC), Department of Infrastructure and Energy. Since graduating from BIUST in 2019 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Energy Engineering, he has built a career focused on renewable energy development, infrastructure delivery, and regional energy integration.
His professional journey began in renewable energy project development, technical sales, and consultancy, where he gained experience in designing practical energy solutions. A significant milestone came when he served as a Quality Inspector on Botswana’s 50 MW Mmadinare Solar Cluster, strengthening his technical expertise and appreciation for delivering reliable, high-quality renewable energy infrastructure.
His transition to the African Union Commission expanded his perspective from national projects to continental energy transformation. Through initiatives such as the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) and the Continental Power System Master Plan (CMP), Wabobi contributes to efforts aimed at creating an interconnected African electricity market where countries can collaborate, trade power across borders, and improve energy access and security.
For Wabobi, the future of Africa’s energy sector depends not only on the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources but also on coordinated planning, investment, infrastructure development, and strong partnerships. He believes regional integration can unlock Africa’s energy potential and support economic growth by creating more reliable and sustainable power systems.
Looking back, Wabobi credits BIUST with providing the technical foundation and professional skills that have shaped his career. Beyond engineering knowledge, the university strengthened his problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, resilience, project management skills, and ability to work independently.
These skills have enabled him to navigate different professional environments, from utility-scale renewable energy projects in Botswana to policy and coordination work at a continental level.
“My engineering background has taught me to analyse problems objectively, understand complex systems, and develop practical solutions based on evidence,” he explains.
He also believes that effective engineering requires more than technical expertise. Working with policymakers, regulators, technical specialists, and development partners has reinforced the importance of communication, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Wabobi is proud of the calibre of BIUST graduates and believes the university’s rigorous academic environment prepares students to contribute meaningfully across industries. He highlights the institution’s emphasis on innovation, critical thinking, and practical application as qualities that enable graduates to adapt, lead, and solve complex challenges.
As Africa continues to pursue sustainable development, he sees significant opportunities for young engineers and innovators in renewable energy, infrastructure, technology, and international development.
His advice to current and prospective BIUST students is to remain curious, embrace opportunities, and commit to lifelong learning.