Botswana used Mining Indaba 2026 to outline a focused and practical roadmap for the next phase of its mining sector, signalling a deliberate shift toward expansion, diversification, and deeper economic participation.
Led by the Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy, the country’s delegation positioned Botswana not only as a mature mining jurisdiction, but as one entering a new cycle of growth anchored on clear policy priorities and investor engagement.
Speaking on the sidelines of the mining conference, Kenewendo outlined four key objectives that will shape Botswana’s mining agenda in the years ahead.
“Four issues stand out clearly for Botswana as we enter the next phase of mining development: exploration, more exploitation beyond diamonds, value chain development and processing, and supply chain growth around our mines,” she said.
Exploration, she noted, is central to securing Botswana’s future pipeline of projects. While the country has built global credibility on diamonds, expanding geological discovery across other minerals is now a strategic focus.
“Platforms such as Mining Indaba are important for Botswana’s economic recovery, unlocking new investment opportunities, and supporting job creation,” the Minister said. “They allow us to engage directly with investors and demonstrate that Botswana is ready for the next phase of mining development.”
“Exploration is critical to unlocking future projects. We must expand exploitation beyond diamonds into other minerals. We must strengthen value chains and processing within Botswana. And we must deliberately grow supply chains around our mining operations to support local businesses and create jobs.”
Mining Indaba, which is the premier mining gathering in Africa, also provided a platform for strategic ministerial engagement. The Minister held bilateral meetings with fellow Energy and Minerals Ministers, global mining executives, and investors to canvass for investment into Botswana. She also witnessed Namibia’s signing of the Luanda Accord, highlighting growing coordination among African resource-producing nations and the importance of regional cooperation in minerals and energy development.
“Platforms such as Mining Indaba are important for Botswana’s economic recovery, unlocking new investment opportunities, and supporting job creation,” the Minister said. “They allow us to engage directly with investors and demonstrate that Botswana is ready for the next phase of mining development.”
A highlight of Botswana’s presence was a fireside conversation between Minister Kenewendo and Al Cook, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group. The discussion reflected on Botswana’s long-standing partnership model and how that collaboration has supported sector stability over more than five decades. The exchange also looked ahead to the evolution of mining beyond diamonds and the role of partnerships in supporting diversification and industrial growth.
As Botswana marks 55 years of mining excellence, its presence at Mining Indaba 2026 reflected a country looking ahead with defined priorities. Increasing exploration, broadening mineral exploitation, strengthening value chains, and building supply chains around mines form the core of a strategy aimed at expanding economic impact and generating sustainable employment.
In Cape Town, Botswana’s message was direct and policy-driven. The governance framework is established, the partnerships are proven, and the next phase depends on attracting capital, deepening collaboration, and building a more diversified mining economy.
