The Minerals Development Company Botswana (MDCB) recently hosted a forum for stakeholders in the mining sector to reflect on the 2024 Mining Indaba. This event was themed “Embracing the Power of Positive Disruption: A Bold New Future for African Mining.” Botswana’s pavilion at the Indaba was aptly themed “Botswana: The Destination of Choice for Responsible and Sustainable Mining.”
At the 2024 Mining Indaba, Botswana introduced an innovative tool named the Best Practice Investment Promotion Tunnel, which facilitated the creation of 3,255 new contacts. Through strategic marketing activities, investor selection and targeting were meticulously executed. As a result, 10% of these leads progressed through due diligence and detailed value propositions, while another 10% matured into prospects through proposal assessments. Four companies have shown a keen interest in investing in Botswana.
Botswana reaped significant benefits from the Mining Indaba. Moving forward, the country aims to further showcase its investment potential. The mining sector in Botswana is crucial, contributing over 30% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 50% to government revenues. The MDCB emphasizes that promoting Botswana at the Mining Indaba will enhance visibility and attract potential investments.
One key advantage of participating in the Mining Indaba is the potential for job creation. New mining investments and advanced technologies can mitigate Botswana’s high unemployment rate, which stood at 25.9% in 2023.
“Botswana’s focus on sustainable mining can benefit from global insights at Mining Indaba, supporting Vision 2036 goals. Mining Indaba also offers a platform to spotlight Botswana’s stable political climate, legal framework, and investment-friendly policies, while engaging with global thought leaders.”
The 2025 theme, as articulated by stakeholders, promises to provide a forward-looking perspective and shape the future of mining. This theme is built around seven pillars: industrializing Africa, future-proofing communities, delivering effective net-zero and just energy transition strategies, and maximizing Africa’s critical mineral endowment.
“We will also be looking at giving a voice to future generations, adopting game-changing technologies, and prioritizing health and safety. Some of the opportunities that lie ahead include engaging international stakeholders by showcasing Botswana’s rich mining heritage, strong regulatory framework, and commitment to sustainable development.”
Participation in the 2025 Mining Indaba will also grant Botswana the opportunity to present progressive initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing environmental conservation, economic growth, and social inclusion while contributing to Vision 2036.
The event will highlight investment opportunities in untapped resources such as uranium, graphite, and lithium. Furthermore, participation will strengthen business relationships with global mining companies and investors and promote knowledge exchange to gain insights into innovative technologies and value chain development.
The proposed theme, “Botswana: Pioneering Sustainable and Innovative Mining in Africa,” will underscore the country’s leadership in sustainable mining, innovation, and responsible resource management. The Ministry of Minerals and Energy will spearhead efforts to showcase Botswana’s commitment to cutting-edge technologies, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. The mission is to explore new frontiers in mining innovation and sustainability, ensuring that Botswana continues to shine as a beacon of progress and resilience in the global mining industry.
