11 May 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has described his four day attendance of the Mining Indaba here, a resounding success.

In an interview before his return departure, President Masisi said his visit afforded him and his entourage the opportunity to market Botswana to the international captains of the mining industry and other sectors, as he continued in his quest to lure investors to the country.

“We have met some potentially strategic investors and expressed to them the business friendly climate that Botswana offers, and the efforts we have put in place to make our country an ideal destination for investment in mining and other sectors,” Dr Masisi said.

The President said the reception from investors was positive, with most of them saying Botswana with its political stability and prudent macroeconomic policies was a favourable place for investment.
 

“Our hope is that the mining industry will continue to grow. In addition to foreign investors with their capital and experience, we want our own citizens, including the youth, to participate in mining. As a government we will continue to ensure the ease of doing business,” Dr Masisi said.

The President had during his address to the Mining Indaba explained that most of the mineral exploration and mining done in Botswana was done in only 25 percent of the country, with no mineral exploration done for most of the rest of the country, which is covered by Kalahari Desert. “This means our future for mining in Botswana remains very bright.

This is similar to a ploughing field where you have only utilised a few hectors to farm, where there is sufficient room for growth, and we believe if we could explore the rest of our country for mineral deposits, much more could be discovered and exploited. We have invited investors, and put in place the right procedures for mining to flourish,” he said.

He added that Botswana’s contract renewal negotiations with Debswana partner, De Beers were going smoothly, but urged patience given the importance of diamonds to the country and the need for government to ensure the best possible deal on behalf of the nation.

In addition to attending the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, and meeting fellow leaders from South Africa, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Masisi also used the occasion to hold meetings with Botswana-based mining exploration companies, potential mining investors, finance development institutions, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) companies.

The President also met with US Under Secretary of State, Mr Jose Fernandez, De Beers Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Bruce Cleaver as well as attended a dinner hosted by Anglo American. Ends