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Katlego Ramphaleng takes up space

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A TRUE HUSTLER: Katlego Ramphaleng’s journey to success

Katlego Ramphaleng, a talented singer, songwriter, and creative, is proving that she’s a force to be reckoned with. She is not content with just one path to success and has recently embraced her inner entrepreneur, showing the world that her creativity extends far beyond the stage.

This Kasi girl is using her talents and resources to build a thriving brand and a bustling side hustle. It is clear that with this mindset, she is destined for greatness. She’s a true jack of all trades, also working as a digital content creator, actor, and scriptwriter.

WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-12-at-16.33.46 Katlego Ramphaleng takes up space

At the corner of her homestead, Katlego has set up a small structure where her culinary skills shine. Alongside her supportive family, they cook delicious, mouth-watering meals for their customers. The business, called Mmantlo Goodies, serves everything from traditional Setswana cuisine to more modern comfort food.

In between cooking, Katlego shoots fun, engaging videos to promote the day’s menu. These raw and unedited clips showcase her authentic and humorous personality as she interacts with customers and encourages them to stop by. The daily sold-out plates are a testament to the food’s quality and the charm of her marketing.

What makes their operation even more special is their traditional cooking method. Instead of using modern stoves, they use Molelo wa Dikgong (firewood), which adds an authentic touch that many customers can relate to.

WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-12-at-16.33.45 Katlego Ramphaleng takes up space

Katlego is a hands-on owner, cutting vegetables, boiling rice, and braai meat. Her dedication to the work ensures that both the food and the customers are content at the end of the day.

Beyond her food business, Katlego creates content for various clients, advertising their products with the same hustle and devotion she applies to her own ventures. Her resourcefulness is also evident in her music video production. She enlists her sisters and videographers to help her create high-quality videos. This not only saves her money but also highlights the powerful support system she has, proving that it takes a village to raise a child.

WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-12-at-16.33.44 Katlego Ramphaleng takes up space

In these challenging economic times, it’s crucial for creatives to diversify their income streams. Katlego Ramphaleng is a shining example of this, demonstrating that it’s possible to be a successful artist while also building a profitable side business.

Her entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic are a valuable lesson for others, proving that with dedication and a willingness to work hard, you can truly be a one in a million-success story.

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De Beers’ vision for diamonds is inclusive and innovative

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IMG_6024-1024x683-500x333 De Beers’ vision for diamonds is inclusive and innovative

The socio-economic impact of natural diamonds, particularly in producing countries, is a key differentiator. De Beers is reinforcing this through its new agreements in Botswana, which include initiatives to foster local talent development and establish the groundbreaking “Diamonds for Development Fund.”

This fund is specifically designed to accelerate the diversification of Botswana’s economy, with investments focusing on critical areas such as green energy, tourism, and agriculture.

De Beers has committed an upfront investment of 1 billion Pula (approximately 74 million USD) to kickstart the fund, with further contributions over the next decade potentially totaling up to 10 billion Pula (approximately 740 million USD).

“This is proof of our belief in Botswana and its people, brilliant Batswana whose lives have been, and will continue to be, shaped by the opportunities natural diamonds have created,” Rowley remarked, crediting the Botswanan government for their vision and support in creating this initiative.

Responsible and sustainable production is an imperative for De Beers. As a global business involved in every stage of the diamond value chain, the company recognizes its significant impact and the urgent need for tangible action. De Beers is focused on achieving its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon reduction targets by 2030, a commitment that makes them the only mining company to subscribe to such stringent and respected goals.

Sourcing renewable energy is a top priority, with significant announcements made this year in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. In Namibia, for instance, Namdeb and NamPower, the national power utility, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development and integration of wind power projects into Namdeb’s mining operations and the national grid.

This demonstrates De Beers’ holistic approach to minimizing its environmental footprint while contributing to cleaner energy transitions in its operational regions.

 

The future of the diamond industry is set to be shaped by three powerful trends: digital traceability, local beneficiation, and sustainable production, according to Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President of Diamond Trading at De Beers Group.

Speaking at the Future of Mining Summit, Rowley outlined De Beers’ strategic direction, emphasizing their commitment to transparency, 

socio-economic development, and environmental responsibility.

In an era where consumers demand to know the origin of their purchases, traceability has become paramount. De Beers is at the forefront of this movement. “From the start of this year, all De Beers rough diamonds above 1 carat in size have had a single country of Origin listed on the digital blockchain platform Tracr,” Rowley stated. This initiative ensures that every diamond’s journey is verifiable, ethical, and transparent, thereby building trust with both consumers and partners.

Tracr is hailed as a vital tool for the industry, being the only platform capable of providing traceability at scale. The recent announcement that Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) is now registering its diamonds on the platform further strengthens this ecosystem.

“The more diamonds we can trace from mine to finger,” Rowley explained, “the more we can tell consumers not only where their diamonds are from, but more importantly, whom they have touched on their journey and the real value they have created for the communities and countries in which they are produced.”

This heightened transparency differentiates natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) by highlighting their significant socio-economic impact.

IMG_6025-1024x683-480x319 De Beers’ vision for diamonds is inclusive and innovative
IMG_6023-1024x683-500x333 De Beers’ vision for diamonds is inclusive and innovative
IMG_6024-1024x683-500x333 De Beers’ vision for diamonds is inclusive and innovative

The socio-economic impact of natural diamonds, particularly in producing countries, is a key differentiator. De Beers is reinforcing this through its new agreements in Botswana, which include initiatives to foster local talent development and establish the groundbreaking “Diamonds for Development Fund.”

This fund is specifically designed to accelerate the diversification of Botswana’s economy, with investments focusing on critical areas such as green energy, tourism, and agriculture.

De Beers has committed an upfront investment of 1 billion Pula (approximately 74 million USD) to kickstart the fund, with further contributions over the next decade potentially totaling up to 10 billion Pula (approximately 740 million USD).

“This is proof of our belief in Botswana and its people, brilliant Batswana whose lives have been, and will continue to be, shaped by the opportunities natural diamonds have created,” Rowley remarked, crediting the Botswanan government for their vision and support in creating this initiative.

Responsible and sustainable production is an imperative for De Beers. As a global business involved in every stage of the diamond value chain, the company recognizes its significant impact and the urgent need for tangible action. De Beers is focused on achieving its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon reduction targets by 2030, a commitment that makes them the only mining company to subscribe to such stringent and respected goals.

Sourcing renewable energy is a top priority, with significant announcements made this year in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. In Namibia, for instance, Namdeb and NamPower, the national power utility, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development and integration of wind power projects into Namdeb’s mining operations and the national grid.

This demonstrates De Beers’ holistic approach to minimizing its environmental footprint while contributing to cleaner energy transitions in its operational regions.

 

The future of the diamond industry is set to be shaped by three powerful trends: digital traceability, local beneficiation, and sustainable production, according to Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President of Diamond Trading at De Beers Group.

Speaking at the Future of Mining Summit, Rowley outlined De Beers’ strategic direction, emphasizing their commitment to transparency, 

socio-economic development, and environmental responsibility.

In an era where consumers demand to know the origin of their purchases, traceability has become paramount. De Beers is at the forefront of this movement. “From the start of this year, all De Beers rough diamonds above 1 carat in size have had a single country of Origin listed on the digital blockchain platform Tracr,” Rowley stated. This initiative ensures that every diamond’s journey is verifiable, ethical, and transparent, thereby building trust with both consumers and partners.

Tracr is hailed as a vital tool for the industry, being the only platform capable of providing traceability at scale. The recent announcement that Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) is now registering its diamonds on the platform further strengthens this ecosystem.

“The more diamonds we can trace from mine to finger,” Rowley explained, “the more we can tell consumers not only where their diamonds are from, but more importantly, whom they have touched on their journey and the real value they have created for the communities and countries in which they are produced.”

This heightened transparency differentiates natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) by highlighting their significant socio-economic impact.

IMG_6025-1024x683-480x319 De Beers’ vision for diamonds is inclusive and innovative
IMG_6023-1024x683-500x333 De Beers’ vision for diamonds is inclusive and innovative

ReCurate celebrates triumphant showcase at RMB Latitudes Art Fair

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ReCurate highlights Botswana’s artistic brilliance at RMB Latitudes Art Fair.

ReCurate, a leading art curatorial and consultancy agency dedicated to promoting the contemporary visual arts of Botswana, has announced the resounding success of its participation in the recently concluded RMB Latitudes Art Fair.

Held from May 23-25, 2025, at the picturesque Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa, the fair proved to be an exceptional platform for Botswana’s burgeoning art scene, with ReCurate at the forefront.

Building on the momentum of last year’s successful debut, ReCurate once again proudly represented Botswana, showcasing the compelling works of a tour de force of Batswana artists: Naledi Maifala, Kutlo Mabua, Modisa Tim Motsumi, Neo Matome, and four artists from the renowned Kuru Art Project: Ntcisa Kase, Bau Kaashe, Cgoma Simon, and Ncaotoe Thama.

Under the thematic curatorial concept “Liminal Spaces,” ReCurate’s presentation explored the “in-between-ness” phase of Botswana’s contemporary art scene as it emerged onto the world stage, defining its unique voice within the broader African context.

The exhibition successfully highlighted the exciting diversity and stylistic contrast prevalent in the works of these artists, drawing significant attention and acclaim from fair-goers and industry professionals alike.

A true highlight of ReCurate’s participation was the exceptional sales success. We are delighted to report that at least one piece from every artist ReCurate represented found a new home, demonstrating the strong appeal and international recognition of Botswana’s artistic talent.

In a particularly impressive achievement, Neo Matome’s entire collection of new abstract paintings Beyond sales, the fair proved invaluable for forging new international networks.

ReCurate engaged with a diverse range of art enthusiasts, collectors, and gallerists from around the globe, fostering crucial connections that will undoubtedly open new doors for Batswana artists.

The fair also provided an inspiring environment, allowing ReCurate’s team to gain insights and inspiration from fellow curators and artists from South Africa, further enriching our understanding of the broader African art landscape.

The 2025 RMB Latitudes Art Fair was a monumental success for the “Botswana Focus” pavilion, a special dedicated section within the fair which was inspired by the great excitement and interest shown in Botswana’s offerings at last year’s fair.

This was the first African art fair to specifically feature and showcase Botswana’s visual art scene in this capacity, a groundbreaking initiative that has significantly elevated the profile of our nation’s artists.

“Liminal Spaces” as a curatorial approach for ReCurate’s Latitudes Art Fair 2025 offering deliberately explored the idea of thresholds and liminality – that of our collective art practitioners (both creators and purveyors of the arts) as being in the “in between” stage of a kind of coming of age as a definitive and unique voice in the context of the wider contemporary African art scene.

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ORANGE MONEY SHINES BRIGHT; A dual victory for innovation and trust

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Orange Money, a pioneer in mobile financial services, has once again demonstrated its dominant presence and unwavering commitment to empowering communities across Africa. With nearly 15 years of innovation, Orange Money has consistently led the mobile financial services landscape, securing its position as a market leader.

This commitment was recently recognized at the prestigious Brand Africa Awards, where Orange Money received the “Most Admired Non-African Brand Financial Services” award, affirming its growing influence and strategic relevance across the continent, particularly in Botswana.

The significant accolade follows closely on the heels of Orange Money Botswana being ranked the number one Mobile Money brand in the country, highlighting its deep-rooted impact and user trust. The Brand Africa Awards, an annual event celebrating brands that shape Africa’s narrative and foster innovation, underscored Orange Money’s progressive contribution to Botswana’s financial landscape.

The triumph was compounded by Orange Botswana’s simultaneous achievement of being named the “Most Admired Telecommunications Brand in Botswana.” This dual victory solidifies Orange’s leadership in both digital financial services and telecommunications, showcasing a holistic approach to connectivity and financial inclusion.

IMG_6022-683x1024-500x749 ORANGE MONEY SHINES BRIGHT; A dual victory for innovation and trust
IMG_6020-1024x709-500x346 ORANGE MONEY SHINES BRIGHT; A dual victory for innovation and trust

Seabelo Pilane, CEO of Orange Money Botswana, expressed profound pride in these recognitions, emphasizing that the awards are more than symbols of corporate excellence; they are a testament to the company’s long-term investment in people and communities. “This is not just an award; it’s a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to creating a financial system that works for all,” Pilane stated. “Our mission has always been to make mobile money not just accessible, but transformational in the lives of Batswana and Africans across the continent.”

Pilane attributed Orange Money’s success to its ability to consistently respond to real market needs with locally relevant, technology-driven solutions, alongside a steadfast dedication to building customer trust. In a continent where many remain unbanked, Orange Money views mobile money as a powerful tool for empowerment – a means to build generational wealth, enable small business growth, and seamlessly connect rural and urban economies.

The Brand Africa 100, which informs the awards, is a comprehensive study based on a pan-African survey covering over 30 countries and representing more than 85% of Africa’s population. Orange Botswana’s recognition as the Most Admired Telecommunications Brand further underscores the deep trust and admiration local customers have for the brand, acknowledging its robust network coverage, quality of service, and pioneering initiatives like Orange 4G and 5G, rural network expansion, and digital upskilling programs.

“Recognition on a continental platform reminds us that Botswana is not operating in isolation; we are part of a larger, more dynamic African economy,” Pilane concluded. “We are proud to carry Botswana’s innovation to the continent and, in doing so, bring the best of Africa to the world.”

As digital finance and mobile connectivity become increasingly central to Africa’s economic future, Orange Botswana and Orange Money are not merely participating in the continent’s transformation; they are actively leading it, setting benchmarks for relevance, innovation, and positive impact.

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Kenewendo officiates at The Future of Mining Summit

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Kenewendo officiates at The Future of Mining Summit

The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo is this week officiating as a keynote speaker at The Future of Mining Summit in Gaborone. Kenewendo is a distinguished leader in economic diplomacy and a prominent advocate for sustainable development and inclusive growth.  

 

This fireside chat provides a platform to discuss and engage the mining industry to discuss critical aspects of the new government’s policy position mainly around repositioning Botswana as a global hub for investment innovative mineral exploration, ethical mining and value chain development.

 

The Future of Mining Summit, organized by The Projects Magazine in collaboration with the Botswana Chamber of Mines, stands as a premier gathering for industry leaders to convene, collaborate, and address pressing issues in mining. The annual event serves as a vital forum for mining executives, government officials, policymakers, industry visionaries, investors, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) stakeholders to collectively shape the trajectory of the sector.


Across two days, attendees engage in impactful discussions featuring strategic keynote presentations, technical insights, and panel deliberations on a spectrum of topics. These discussions encompass the future of mining in Botswana and on a global scale, evolving operational paradigms, technological advancements, energy transition, safety protocols, productivity enhancements, ESG considerations, and the cultivation of safer job environments within the mining sector.

Moreover, the summit serves as a platform to explore investment opportunities in exploration, project development, and the expansion of mining operations. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the Future of Mining Summit endeavors to chart a sustainable and innovative path forward for the mining industry, driving growth, resilience, and responsible resource management.

The second edition of The Future of Mining Summit will explore the emerging opportunities and innovative partnerships shaping the future of Botswana’s mining sector, particularly in light of the recent change in government. Experts will discuss how the new Government can support investment, policy, and industry growth.

Speakers will share insights on the role of technology and sustainability in modernizing mining operations, how public-private partnerships can drive growth, and strategies for investment on new exploration activities and new mining projects. With a focus on collaboration, the summit will examine how government, industry leaders, and communities can work together to navigate challenges and harness new opportunities for long-term prosperity.

Some of the topics to be unpacked include Investing in Botswana; A stable jurisdiction and thriving investment landscape for mining opportunities. This topic will unpack how Botswana can effectively position itself as a leading mining investment destination, attracting both local and international investors looking for stability, profitability, and responsible mining practices.

Further, the industry leaders will look into new opportunities, smart partnerships; the future of the global diamond industry through the lens of the world’s most successful public-private partnerships. Building on the recently signed agreement between government and De Beers Group, the speaker, Paul Rowley, will provide valuable insights into the emerging trends shaping the global diamond industry.

This presentation will explore the significance of the partnership and its potential to drive the future of Botswana and the broader diamond sector, emphasizing the new opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration.

Jindal Africa Chief Executive Director Parshant Goyal will be looking into developing a world-class privately funded coal energy project, spotlighting on Jindal-Mmamabula Energy Project. This session will take delegates through the progress of Botswana’s largest independent power production project.

The presentation will highlight the opportunities for collaboration and partnership across key areas, including finance, infrastructure development, equipment and maintenance, skills development, and community impact, as presented by the project.

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Emerging markets growth to slow significantly in 2025

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1-2-1024x640-690x498 Emerging markets growth to slow significantly in 2025

Against the backdrop of a more challenging external environment, Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDE) growth is forecast to slow significantly in 2025, to 3.8 percent, with only a modest projected pickup in 2026.

The expected rate of growth is well below pre pandemic averages and the pace that is needed to create sufficient jobs to meet working-age population growth and make progress in closing large per capita income gaps with advanced economies.

The deterioration in EMDE growth prospects is driven in large part by economies with a high degree of trade and investment openness. In these economies, large manufacturing sectors, high global value chain participation, and reliance on global financial markets amplify the negative spillovers from the recent shocks to global trade and confidence and the sharp rises in uncertainty and financial market volatility.

However, the softness in the EMDE outlook is anticipated to be broad-based, with growth expected to slow in nearly 60 percent of EMDEs in 2025. More generally, the capacity of many EMDEs to respond to negative shocks has diminished due to sharp pandemic-related increases in debt, elevated poverty rates, and waning official development assistance.

Prior to the recent deterioration in the external environment this year, activity in EMDEs had generally steadied over 2024, with domestic demand supported by generally benign financial conditions and solid credit growth.

Although domestic activity indicators remained relatively resilient over the first quarter of 2025, the rapid rise in uncertainty and slowdown in external demand have begun to act as a drag on activity.

Gauges of manufacturing activity, including headline manufacturing PMIs and goods trade indicators, have eased recently. Some trade-exposed EMDEs, such as Malaysia, Mexico, Romania, and Viet Nam, have seen the new export orders component of the manufacturing PMI weaken markedly since November amid increasing global trade policy uncertainty.

On the services side, PMIs have remained in expansionary territory but nonetheless have trended lower this year. High frequency consumption indicators also point to a similar dynamic, with both consumer confidence and retail sales losing some momentum in recent months.

Nonetheless, the so-far generally resilient trends are expected to lose momentum amid the sharp rise in uncertainty following increases in trade restrictions and other policy shifts.

Growth has continued to diverge across EMDEs so far in 2025, with a slower pace of activity in some commodity-exporting EMDEs and somewhat more solid conditions across other economies.

The weaker performance among the former was mostly concentrated in energy exporting economies and related to softness in global energy demand; ongoing OPEC+ production cuts; notable declines in commodity prices amid rising trade tensions, which weighed on net exports, revenues, and investment; and new sanctions on some oil-exporting economies.

Prior to the deterioration in the external environment, earlier activity readings had modestly surprised to the upside in some large energy-exporting EMDEs, including Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria, largely owing to domestic factors outside of the energy sector.

In commodity-importing EMDEs excluding China, activity had remained broadly steady before the sharp rise in trade tensions, supported by a pickup in private consumption and investment, with the latter benefiting from firm manufacturing activity.

Despite overall solid performance, some economies have seen a material weakening in activity in recent quarters, largely reflecting an increase in uncertainty related to domestic developments or rising trade barriers.

2-2-1024x640-690x498 Emerging markets growth to slow significantly in 2025
1-2-1024x640-690x498 Emerging markets growth to slow significantly in 2025

Against the backdrop of a more challenging external environment, Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDE) growth is forecast to slow significantly in 2025, to 3.8 percent, with only a modest projected pickup in 2026.

The expected rate of growth is well below pre pandemic averages and the pace that is needed to create sufficient jobs to meet working-age population growth and make progress in closing large per capita income gaps with advanced economies.

The deterioration in EMDE growth prospects is driven in large part by economies with a high degree of trade and investment openness. In these economies, large manufacturing sectors, high global value chain participation, and reliance on global financial markets amplify the negative spillovers from the recent shocks to global trade and confidence and the sharp rises in uncertainty and financial market volatility.

However, the softness in the EMDE outlook is anticipated to be broad-based, with growth expected to slow in nearly 60 percent of EMDEs in 2025. More generally, the capacity of many EMDEs to respond to negative shocks has diminished due to sharp pandemic-related increases in debt, elevated poverty rates, and waning official development assistance.

Prior to the recent deterioration in the external environment this year, activity in EMDEs had generally steadied over 2024, with domestic demand supported by generally benign financial conditions and solid credit growth.

Although domestic activity indicators remained relatively resilient over the first quarter of 2025, the rapid rise in uncertainty and slowdown in external demand have begun to act as a drag on activity.

Gauges of manufacturing activity, including headline manufacturing PMIs and goods trade indicators, have eased recently. Some trade-exposed EMDEs, such as Malaysia, Mexico, Romania, and Viet Nam, have seen the new export orders component of the manufacturing PMI weaken markedly since November amid increasing global trade policy uncertainty.

On the services side, PMIs have remained in expansionary territory but nonetheless have trended lower this year. High frequency consumption indicators also point to a similar dynamic, with both consumer confidence and retail sales losing some momentum in recent months.

Nonetheless, the so-far generally resilient trends are expected to lose momentum amid the sharp rise in uncertainty following increases in trade restrictions and other policy shifts.

Growth has continued to diverge across EMDEs so far in 2025, with a slower pace of activity in some commodity-exporting EMDEs and somewhat more solid conditions across other economies.

The weaker performance among the former was mostly concentrated in energy exporting economies and related to softness in global energy demand; ongoing OPEC+ production cuts; notable declines in commodity prices amid rising trade tensions, which weighed on net exports, revenues, and investment; and new sanctions on some oil-exporting economies.

Prior to the deterioration in the external environment, earlier activity readings had modestly surprised to the upside in some large energy-exporting EMDEs, including Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria, largely owing to domestic factors outside of the energy sector.

In commodity-importing EMDEs excluding China, activity had remained broadly steady before the sharp rise in trade tensions, supported by a pickup in private consumption and investment, with the latter benefiting from firm manufacturing activity.

Despite overall solid performance, some economies have seen a material weakening in activity in recent quarters, largely reflecting an increase in uncertainty related to domestic developments or rising trade barriers.

2-2-1024x640-690x498 Emerging markets growth to slow significantly in 2025
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Mining sector embraces a new era of smart partnerships

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2 Mining sector embraces a new era of smart partnershipsMining sector embraces a new era of smart partnerships

Under the banner of “New Opportunities, Smart Partnerships,” this year’s Future of Mining Summit arrives at a critical juncture, not only for Botswana but for the global mining industry.

The world is living through an era of seismic transformation, driven by shifting market dynamics, evolving regulatory expectations, and the urgent imperative of environmental sustainability. Yet, within this complexity lies enormous opportunity.

1 Mining sector embraces a new era of smart partnerships

When speaking at The Future of Mining Summit in Gaborone this week, CEO of Morupule Coal Mine, Chairman of the Botswana Chamber of Mines, and Chair of The Future of Mining Summit, Edwin Elias, said the challenges faced, volatile commodity prices, increasingly stringent ESG requirements, and the ever-tightening spotlight on climate impact, are real.

“But equally real are the possibilities before us: possibilities for breakthrough innovation, sustainable economic diversification, and a bold localization agenda that places Batswana at the heart of progress.”

President Duma Gideon Boko’s vision for a reimagined Botswana underscores a vital truth: no single actor can seize these opportunities alone. The future envisioned must be co-created. Radical collaboration, smart partnerships across every segment of the economy, is not a choice, it is an obligation.

“We must build dynamic partnerships between government and industry, to foster policy coherence and attract sustainable investment, as well as between mining companies and host communities, to ensure shared prosperity and long-term development.”

Elias further said partnerships should be between large operators and citizen-owned enterprises, to strengthen value chains and stimulate inclusive industrial growth, and across key sectors, energy, logistics, manufacturing, technology to truly unlock Botswana’s mineral wealth in ways that transcend raw extraction.

“This is not rhetoric. This is how we drive inclusive economic transformation. This is how we ensure no Motswana is left behind. Strategic partnerships must form the bedrock of a more diversified and resilient economy. They offer a tangible path to build local capacity, scale domestic supply chains, and create dignified employment, particularly for our youth, who must be equipped with future-proof skills aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Despite recent fluctuations in diamond revenue, mining remains a cornerstone of the economy. Elias says this moment demands greater innovation, deeper exploration, and a bolder approach to investment across the full spectrum of mineral assets.

“Botswana is already witnessing a promising surge in exploration activity and the rise of junior mining players, encouraging signs of a sector ready to diversify beyond diamonds. Morupule Coal Mine is proud to be at the forefront of this new wave, unlocking the value of coal for regional energy security while pursuing cleaner, more efficient technologies. Beyond coal, minerals like copper, base metals, rare earths, and industrial minerals offer us the chance to rewrite our mining future, and position Botswana as a modern mineral economy.”

Crucially, Elias says players must match this momentum with the right talent. Investing in human capital is non-negotiable. Botswana’s youth must be prepared not only to fill jobs but to lead innovation in mining, engineering, data science, and green technology. Collective future depends on it.

“This is precisely why platforms like the Future of Mining Summit matter so deeply. Much like the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, our summit is fast becoming a pivotal stage for shaping the national and regional mining agenda. It is where policy is clarified, partnerships forged, and the building blocks of a modern, inclusive mining economy are laid,” he said.

The benefits of this platform are far-reaching: co-creation of smart, investor-friendly policy, knowledge transfer and sector capacity building, strengthening of citizen participation and ownership, acceleration of job creation and local content as well as greater positioning of Botswana as a competitive mining jurisdiction on the global stage.

3 Mining sector embraces a new era of smart partnerships

The path ahead is bold and ambitious but it is also entirely within reach. With the right partnerships, policy frameworks, and purpose-driven leadership, Botswana will not just navigate this era of transformation, but will thrive in it.

2 Mining sector embraces a new era of smart partnershipsMining sector embraces a new era of smart partnerships

Under the banner of “New Opportunities, Smart Partnerships,” this year’s Future of Mining Summit arrives at a critical juncture, not only for Botswana but for the global mining industry.

The world is living through an era of seismic transformation, driven by shifting market dynamics, evolving regulatory expectations, and the urgent imperative of environmental sustainability. Yet, within this complexity lies enormous opportunity.

1 Mining sector embraces a new era of smart partnerships

When speaking at The Future of Mining Summit in Gaborone this week, CEO of Morupule Coal Mine, Chairman of the Botswana Chamber of Mines, and Chair of The Future of Mining Summit, Edwin Elias, said the challenges faced, volatile commodity prices, increasingly stringent ESG requirements, and the ever-tightening spotlight on climate impact, are real.

“But equally real are the possibilities before us: possibilities for breakthrough innovation, sustainable economic diversification, and a bold localization agenda that places Batswana at the heart of progress.”

President Duma Gideon Boko’s vision for a reimagined Botswana underscores a vital truth: no single actor can seize these opportunities alone. The future envisioned must be co-created. Radical collaboration, smart partnerships across every segment of the economy, is not a choice, it is an obligation.

“We must build dynamic partnerships between government and industry, to foster policy coherence and attract sustainable investment, as well as between mining companies and host communities, to ensure shared prosperity and long-term development.”

Elias further said partnerships should be between large operators and citizen-owned enterprises, to strengthen value chains and stimulate inclusive industrial growth, and across key sectors, energy, logistics, manufacturing, technology to truly unlock Botswana’s mineral wealth in ways that transcend raw extraction.

“This is not rhetoric. This is how we drive inclusive economic transformation. This is how we ensure no Motswana is left behind. Strategic partnerships must form the bedrock of a more diversified and resilient economy. They offer a tangible path to build local capacity, scale domestic supply chains, and create dignified employment, particularly for our youth, who must be equipped with future-proof skills aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Despite recent fluctuations in diamond revenue, mining remains a cornerstone of the economy. Elias says this moment demands greater innovation, deeper exploration, and a bolder approach to investment across the full spectrum of mineral assets.

“Botswana is already witnessing a promising surge in exploration activity and the rise of junior mining players, encouraging signs of a sector ready to diversify beyond diamonds. Morupule Coal Mine is proud to be at the forefront of this new wave, unlocking the value of coal for regional energy security while pursuing cleaner, more efficient technologies. Beyond coal, minerals like copper, base metals, rare earths, and industrial minerals offer us the chance to rewrite our mining future, and position Botswana as a modern mineral economy.”

Crucially, Elias says players must match this momentum with the right talent. Investing in human capital is non-negotiable. Botswana’s youth must be prepared not only to fill jobs but to lead innovation in mining, engineering, data science, and green technology. Collective future depends on it.

“This is precisely why platforms like the Future of Mining Summit matter so deeply. Much like the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, our summit is fast becoming a pivotal stage for shaping the national and regional mining agenda. It is where policy is clarified, partnerships forged, and the building blocks of a modern, inclusive mining economy are laid,” he said.

The benefits of this platform are far-reaching: co-creation of smart, investor-friendly policy, knowledge transfer and sector capacity building, strengthening of citizen participation and ownership, acceleration of job creation and local content as well as greater positioning of Botswana as a competitive mining jurisdiction on the global stage.

3 Mining sector embraces a new era of smart partnerships

The path ahead is bold and ambitious but it is also entirely within reach. With the right partnerships, policy frameworks, and purpose-driven leadership, Botswana will not just navigate this era of transformation, but will thrive in it.