16 Feb 2026

An analysis of Botswana’s current and long-term economic performance shows that, despite rich mineral endowment, the mining sector’s contribution to the economy has declined in recent years and is currently at historically low levels.

Responding to a question in Parliament recently on behalf of the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, stated that key challenges included limited mineral diversification, low levels of beneficiation and a weak conversion rate from early-stage exploration to active mining operations.

As a result, Mr Mmolotsi said government had identified systematic and targeted mineral exploration as a critical driver of economic transformation and established Exploration Investment Company Botswana (EICB).

“The company was registered to address chronic under investment in exploration and to unlock the country’s mineral potential. It will do so by consolidating extensive historical geological data and undertaking new exploration, particularly for critical minerals such as copper and manganese, with a strategic focus on the Kalahari Copper Belt,” he said.

He added that EICB was an independent entity operating under the Companies Act, with its own governance structures, budget and board of directors.

“The exploration company will operate in partnership with the private sector to de-risk early-stage exploration and secure investment through partnerships, driving the mining sector and exploitation diversification,” he added.

He further indicated that the establishment of EICB represented a timely and strategic intervention by government to reverse the decline in the mining sector, strengthen mineral discovery and unlock new growth opportunities.

Chobe MP, Mr Simasiku Mapulanga, had asked the minister to clarify if there was a state-owned enterprise or indigenous company dealing with mineral exploration and prospecting. He further requested an update on the operations of such an enterprise or, if none existed, whether it would be prudent to create one. ENDS