Waking up to the power crisis: the importance of securitising energy in Botswana

Abstract

Despite the vast research conducted on energy security, how can a country with a sound economy and an abundance of energy resources like Botswana end up sitting in the dark? Botswana experienced a depressing electricity power crisis at the wake of 2008 that left the nation with a sense of panic and guessing what the future holds. The purpose of this research is to identify flaws that may be in the country’s security management approach and generate knowledge on the role energy plays in the national security. Forum (2006) informs us that energy security is an umbrella term that covers many concerns linking energy, economic growth and political power. Haluzan (2013) further highlighted that without energy there is no economy, and without economy there is no progress of society in general. Using the example of the Botswana power crisis situation, this paper demonstrates that energy, especially electricity, plays a pivotal role to the security of any nation. This paper therefore argues that even with a stable political environment and a robust economic growth, if energy is not securitised, the national security of any country can be compromised. The paper further highlights that historical experiences and the securitization of energy policy play an important role to the welfare of the nation and not only economic interests.