The Botswana Government has established a state-owned exploration company aimed at unlocking the country’s vast mineral potential. Speaking at the ongoing Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo, said the initiative addresses a long-standing funding gap in mineral exploration. Botswana has historically faced insufficient investment in exploration, leaving many opportunities untapped despite the availability of decades of data collected by companies such as De Beers and Anglo American. The new exploration company will consolidate historical data while generating new information to guide future mineral development. This approach is intended to strengthen the country’s mining sector and attract further investment.
Minister Kenewendo emphasized that the exploration company will actively seek partnerships with the private sector. She highlighted the potential for first-mover advantages for investors willing to collaborate with government initiatives. Drawing on the success of Debswana as a public-private partnership model, Kenewendo noted that similar collaborations could be replicated across other mineral commodities. The government aims to combine public oversight with private sector expertise to accelerate exploration, reduce financial risk, and maximize returns for both investors and the country. This approach is expected to stimulate innovation, attract capital, and enhance Botswana’s competitiveness in the global minerals market.
The Minister also outlined government plans to focus on critical minerals, including copper and manganese. She highlighted the Kalahari Copper Belt as a region with significant growth potential and strategic importance. Extensive work is already underway to support development in the area, including infrastructure planning and value chain development. The initiative seeks to create jobs, develop skills, and generate revenue from previously underexplored resources. By being intentional and strategic, the government intends to foster sustainable growth and strengthen local industries around mining activities.
Kenewendo stressed that the new exploration company is not only about resource extraction but also about building a foundation for long-term economic development. Consolidating historical data and combining it with modern exploration techniques will allow for more accurate targeting of high-potential areas. Partnerships with private sector players will ensure access to technology, expertise, and capital needed to bring projects to production. The government’s intervention aims to reduce barriers for investors while ensuring that benefits are widely shared across Botswana. This strategic approach positions the country to capture opportunities in both domestic and global mineral markets.
The establishment of the state-owned exploration company signals Botswana’s renewed commitment to strengthening its mining sector. With dedicated support for copper, manganese, and other critical minerals, the country aims to diversify its mineral portfolio and create sustainable value chains. The combination of public investment, private sector collaboration, and targeted regional development is expected to unlock the full potential of Botswana’s mineral resources. Minister Kenewendo’s announcement at Mining Indaba underscores the government’s proactive stance in ensuring that the nation’s mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to economic growth and national development.
