Botswana Forges New Deal with Miners to Transform Economy Beyond Extraction

Gaborone, Botswana – November , 18 2025 .

In a significant move to recalibrate the nation’s economic relationship with its mineral wealth, the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, in partnership with diamond giant Debswana, convened a landmark Value Chain Development Workshop yesterday. The event culminated in a signed commitment by major mining companies to actively develop local industries, marking a strategic pivot from raw mineral export to building a resilient, inclusive domestic economy.

The workshop, which brought together government officials, mining executives, and industry stakeholders, was centered on a unified vision: to ensure that the riches extracted from Botswana’s soil create lasting value for its people long after the minerals are gone.

From Extraction to Empowerment: A Strategic Shift

In her keynote address, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Hon. Bogolo J. Kenewendo, set a decisive tone for the gathering. She articulated that the workshop was a critical step in unlocking wider opportunities in local manufacturing, repair services, and rebuild ecosystems.

“The time has come to move beyond mineral extraction and build strong, inclusive, and sustainable value chains that will drive long-term economic growth and job creation,” Hon. Kenewendo declared. She reaffirmed the government’s unwavering position, stating, “Our minerals must meaningfully uplift our people. This is not just a policy; it is a national imperative.”

This shift is part of a broader global trend among resource-rich nations seeking to capture a larger share of the mineral value chain. For Botswana, which has long benefited from diamond revenues, the focus is now on creating secondary industries—from manufacturing mining equipment components to establishing sophisticated repair hubs—that can diversify the economy and create skilled jobs.

Industry Leaders Pledge Strategic Commitment

As a key collaborator and the country’s leading diamond producer, Debswana’s commitment was pivotal. Chief Executive Officer Mr. Andrew Motsomi emphasized that investing in local value chains is not merely corporate social responsibility, but a core business strategy.

“Local value-chain development is strategic business,” Mr. Motsomi stated. “It enhances our operational resilience, reduces costs, and strengthens our social license to operate.” He reaffirmed the company’s legacy and future intent, adding, “Over the past 56 years, Debswana has been more than just a diamond mining company; we have been a vital partner in the country’s economic development. This next chapter is about deepening that partnership.”

The sentiment was echoed by Mr. Charles Siwawa, CEO of the Botswana Chamber of Mines, who presented a compelling economic case. “Strengthening local manufacturing is an imperative for economic development and local value retention,” he said. “Every component we can source locally, every service we can procure domestically, multiplies the economic impact of mining and keeps wealth within our borders.”

From Dialogue to Action: A Formal Pact Signed

The discussions were grounded in practicality, with a panel session delving into the specific barriers, opportunities, and necessary alignments for building collaborative value-chain ecosystems.

The workshop transitioned from dialogue to concrete action with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This formal pact establishes a collaborative framework where mining companies commit to sharing project information to provide local manufacturers with visibility on upcoming needs. Furthermore, they have pledged to actively promote local production by prioritizing citizen-owned businesses in their procurement processes. The agreement also focuses on strengthening training ecosystems to equip the local workforce with the skills required by the modern mining supply chain, and on supporting citizen economic empowerment through targeted enterprise development programs.

This pact signals a new era of public-private collaboration, positioning Botswana’s mining sector not just as a source of revenue, but as the primary catalyst for a diversified and self-sustaining industrial base.