20 Jan 2025

 Government is resolute on building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable mining sector that will continue to be the cornerstone of Botswana’s prosperity.

Officially opening a four-day minerals stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Gaborone today, whose aim is to discuss critical policy reforms for the mining sector and chart a collaborative way forward, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo said the sector was currently in an era of significant change and growing opportunity thus, making it essential to address the twin challenges of ensuring energy security and building sustainable and resource driven economy.

Ms Kenewendo said Botswana’s role went beyond managing its resources and had a task of creating a transformative legacy that aligned with economic growth, social equity and environmental responsibility.

“We must respond not just with innovation but with intention because the future we shape, belongs to the generations to come,” said Minister Kenewendo.

She stated that Botswana’s journey was a testament to the transformative power of prudent resource management and strong leadership, particularly through the effective utilisation of its mineral wealth especially diamonds, to drive economic growth and development.

Ms Kenewendo said Botswana now faced the opportunity to expand beyond diamonds into other valuable minerals.

A key part of the country’s success story, she noted President Advocate Duma Boko’s clear vision for the future, which envisioned a Botswana where diamonds were no longer just a gift of nature but a product of innovation, polished, refined and marketed as a product and proud product of Botswana.

“Imagine a mining sector that creates jobs not only in extradition, but also in technology, renewable energy and environmental conservation. Imagine a Botswana where our young people see mining not just as an industry of the past, but as a gateway to innovation and opportunity,” Ms Kenewendo said.

To achieve those ambitious goals, she stressed the need for capital flow into the sector, both foreign and domestic, as well as the importance of a high conversion rate from prospecting and exploration to productive mining, which included rebuilding market confidence in natural diamonds and developing a strong strategy for critical materials and base metals vital for the green transition. 

"We further recognise the need for beneficiation and value chain development so that we no longer simply export raw materials outside Botswana and the continent," she said.

Ms Kenewendo urged stakeholders engaged in mining and natural resources industries to join hands in implemeting the reforms that would be discussed and ensuring a collective effort towards transformation of the mining sector. ENDS