12 Dec 2024

Vice President Mr Ndaba Gaolathe and Minister of Minerals Ms Bogolo Kenewendo participated in a post-event gathering following the inaugural Future of Mining Summit 2024, which was organised by The Projects Magazine in collaboration with the Botswana Chamber of Mines (BCM). 

 

Notably, Vice President Mr Gaolathe’s presence underscored the government’s support for mining and its strategic importance to Botswana’s economy. Mr Gaolathe, in his keynote address on December 11, stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector.

 

“The transformation will not come from the government but from the people in the room,” he said. He underscored the need for empowering individuals on the ground and breaking down barriers to progress.

 

Mr Gaolathe said despite nearly six decades of mining, the level of beneficiation remained low, citing that the gap underscored substantial opportunities for economic diversification and value addition within the sector. 

 

He said there was immense potential to attract technological excellence in mineral-related industries, fostering side-stream and downstream value creation. 

 

By harnessing this potential, Mr Gaolathe said the country’s mineral wealth could be transformed into higher-value products, enhancing the economic significance of the mining sector and securing a sustainable future for the nation. 

 

He added that the country’s strategic location positioned it as a natural trade hub within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, however, this potential remains underutilised due to limitations in transport infrastructure. 

 

“Our heavy reliance on road transport, coupled with underdeveloped rail and air cargo facilities, continues to constrain the efficiency and competitiveness of our logistics network,” he said. To address this, the Vice President said government was committed to unlocking the freight logistics sector as a key driver of economic transformation. 

 

He said they were determined to implement rapid and fundamental reforms to enhance its efficiency, modernise its infrastructure, and position Botswana as a pivotal player in regional trade and global supply chains. “We will work hard, in partnership with the private sector financiers to modernise the sector,” he emphasised. 

 

Ms Bogolo Kenewendo reiterated the mining sector’s critical role in Botswana’s economy, pointing to the sector’s contrasting dynamics, with some areas thriving and others facing challenges.

 

“Since the mining industry is crucial to the performance of Botswana’s economy, it demands the best and the most of us,” Ms Kenewendo said, adding that these cycles highlight the need for resilience and adaptability. For his remarks, Mr Charles Siwawa, CEO of the Botswana Chamber of Mines, highlighted the need for collective industry support for local manufacturing. 

 

“If one company supports the local manufacturing processes, it will not have the same impact as if all the mining industries put together to support this particular process,” Mr Siwawa said. 

 

He lauded local manufacturers who, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), have successfully penetrated African markets, citing an innovative case of cross-border trade between Botswana and Namibia. 

 

The Projects Magazine Director, Mr Rearabilwe Ramaphane said the conference and its follow-up events were notable for their endorsement by the governmenr through the Ministry of Minerals and Energy. 

 

He added that the endorsement signals a unified governmental approach towards positioning Botswana as a prime mining investment location in Africa. Furthermore, Mr Ramaphane said the Future of Mining Summit has set the stage for a collaborative dialogue between stakeholders in the mining sector. 

 

With continued support from the government and increased participation from local and international investors, Botswana aims to capitalise on its rich mineral resources and enhance its reputation within the global mining community, he said. 

 

The summit reinforce  commitment of the Botswana government and industry leaders to work together towards sustainable mining practices and investment opportunities. 

 

The event marked a pivotal moment in Botswana’s mining sector, highlighting the country’s commitment to becoming a leading investment destination in Africa. 

 

The gathering attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including industry leaders, government officials, and representatives from various sectors related to mining. Ends