The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship has announced plans to establish a tin processing facility aimed at supplying the local market and reducing Botswana’s dependence on processed tin imports from South Africa. Assistant Minister Baratiwa Mathoothe revealed the initiative as part of government efforts to strengthen domestic industrial capacity and improve economic self-sufficiency.
Speaking on the upcoming development, Mathoothe emphasized that the facility will not only help lower the high costs currently incurred in importing processed tin but will also provide a much-needed boost to the livelihoods of local tin collectors.
“The establishment of this facility will significantly reduce the expenses associated with purchasing processed tin from South Africa,” said Mathoothe. “This will empower our local tin collectors, offering them better income opportunities and creating jobs across various stages of the value chain.”
Botswana’s mineral sector has long been recognized for its potential to diversify the economy beyond diamonds, and tin represents one of the promising resources with strong industrial demand. The proposed processing plant is expected to provide a local solution for refining raw tin ore into usable material for manufacturing and other industries, ultimately retaining more value within the country.
The initiative is aligned with the government’s broader agenda to promote beneficiation and support small-scale miners and entrepreneurs. By building local capacity in mineral processing, the facility is poised to contribute to job creation, skill development, and regional trade competitiveness.
The Ministry is currently engaging with technical experts, private sector stakeholders, and potential investors to advance the project from planning to implementation. Once operational, the tin processing facility is expected to become a key contributor to Botswana’s industrial growth and economic empowerment.
This move marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s mining value chain while fostering inclusive participation of citizens in the natural resources sector.
