The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, returned yesterday from Angola after a high-level working visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy and minerals sector. The visit included strategic discussions with Honourable Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola. The engagement focused on deepening collaboration between the two countries in areas of energy security, resource development and regional industrial growth. A key highlight of the visit was a tour of the Lobito Refinery Project, currently under development by Sonangol. The trip reflects ongoing efforts to build stronger partnerships that support long-term economic transformation in the region.
The Lobito Refinery Project stands out as one of the most significant energy infrastructure developments in Angola and the broader Southern African region. The facility is expected to play a major role in reshaping how fuel is produced, processed and distributed across multiple markets once completed. It represents a long-term investment in regional energy independence and supply stability. During the visit, the Minister observed progress on the construction site and received detailed briefings on the project’s expected output capacity and strategic importance. The development is positioned to contribute to industrial growth, job creation and improved energy access over the coming decades.
Beyond the technical and policy engagements in Angola, the Minister’s return was marked by activities linked to Botswana’s preparations for the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26. Upon arrival, she toured the House of Botswana Welcome Lounge at the airport, a facility established to showcase national identity and hospitality during the international sporting event. The lounge has been developed through collaboration with partners in the diamond sector, reflecting the role of public and private partnerships in promoting national events. It is designed to create a strong first impression for visiting athletes, officials and guests. The space also highlights Botswana’s branding as a destination for both sport and investment.
The Minister also visited the Forevermark Store, which will serve as a key exhibition space during the relays. The store will feature jewellery collections designed and manufactured by local Batswana designers, reinforcing the country’s commitment to value addition within the diamond and jewellery value chain. This initiative supports local creative industries and promotes the development of downstream beneficiation in the minerals sector. It also provides a platform for local designers to showcase their work to an international audience. The exhibition is expected to enhance visibility for Botswana’s design talent while strengthening the link between natural resources and finished luxury products.
Featured designers include Petronella Matumo of Private Collection, Khumo Makwa of 89 Carat Street, Caiphais Othomile of La Calla and Boitshoko Kebakile of Mashaba House of Divinity. Each designer represents a growing creative industry that is increasingly connected to Botswana’s natural resource economy. Their participation reflects a broader national strategy to move beyond raw mineral extraction and develop a stronger manufacturing and design ecosystem. The inclusion of these designers in an international sporting event environment highlights the intersection of culture, sport and economic development. It also reinforces efforts to position Botswana as a hub for innovation in diamond beneficiation.
The Minister’s engagements in Angola and Botswana reflect a dual focus on regional cooperation and domestic economic development. On one hand, the visit to Angola strengthens energy sector collaboration and supports shared infrastructure goals within Southern Africa. On the other hand, the local initiatives linked to the World Athletics Relays demonstrate how resource sectors can be connected to tourism, sport and creative industries. This combination of international diplomacy and domestic industry promotion supports a broader development agenda. It also shows how coordinated efforts across sectors can deliver wider economic benefits.
Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo’s recent activities highlight a strategic approach to minerals and energy development that extends beyond traditional policy work. The engagement with Angola’s energy leadership and the Lobito Refinery Project reflects a commitment to regional integration and long-term energy planning. At the same time, the promotion of local designers and national exhibition spaces demonstrates a strong focus on value addition and economic diversification at home. These efforts collectively reinforce Botswana’s positioning as a country that is actively shaping both its regional partnerships and internal development pathways.
