04 Sep 2023

The Africa Down Under (ADU) conference in Australia provides a great platform for potential investors and prospects to shine a light on Botswana.

In an interview ahead of President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s working visit to Australia, Botswana’s High Commissioner Ms Dorcas Makgato said the President’s presence as the guest of honour at the conference would create more interest for investors to decide on investing in Botswana.

She said with the tone set for the event, one-on-one engagement had been arranged for the President, which should translate into actual investments. 

Ms Makgato also noted that an investment seminar had been arranged on the sidelines of the ADU conference that would go beyond mining. She said through the forum, the President would lure investors in Australia to choose Botswana as a suitable investment destination beyond just mining, even though the core business of the conference was mining

“For those that are already in Botswana, we should see them expand because it means they see environment suitable, for those that are new, it will be new enquiries that will be on the pipeline, she said.

Additionally, she said companies would have the confidence to expand through the downstream activities that would create jobs. 

“I am happy that I was recently in Botswana and a lot was talked about to do with expansion, obtaining new licence and this shows the confidence in our investment destiny,” she said.

Africa Down Under now in its 21^st year is the leading forum for Australian-African business and government relations and was first launched to raise awareness of Australia’s interests in African mining and energy.

In that regard, Ms Makgato said Motheo Mine and Khoemacau Mines were some of the brand ambassadors who could tell the country’s story better on the benefits of investing in Botswana.

“These two companies are a living example.”

She said the convergence would explore beyond leads resulting in actual investment that would be counted on the impact on the economy.

Ms Makgato said the President would further engage in activities prioritised under the agriculture sector, among them visiting a cattle farm of breeds that can withstand the weather conditions similar to Botswana.

Today, the President is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the governor general, David Hurley, meet and greet Batswana in Canberra and later depart for Perth to attend the ADU conference.

The President’s entourage includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mmusi Kgafela, Minister of Minerals and Energy Mr Lefoko Moagi, Minister of Agriculture Mr Fidelis Molao and senior government officials.

The African Down Under, held from September 6-8, has evolved to become the largest African-focused mining event and has showcased many success stories about Australian companies and organisations working across Africa. ends