Mining Summit Focuses Transformation Investment

Botswana’s mining sector is positioning itself for transformation as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise. These issues will be examined at the Future of Mining Summit 2026, scheduled for 29–30 June at Boipuso Hall under the theme “Mining for Transformation: Economic Diversification & Shared Prosperity.” The summit organiser and Projects Magazine Editor Rearabilwe Ramaphane said the timing reflects global shifts in mineral demand driven by energy transition technologies. He pointed to emerging opportunities in the region.

“For Botswana, this presents a significant opportunity, particularly within the Kalahari Copper Belt, which has emerged as one of the world’s most promising mineral exploration frontiers,” he said in an interview. A key focus of the summit will be the financing constraints affecting early-stage exploration projects. Ramaphane highlighted structural challenges facing the sector.

“While Botswana remains richly endowed with mineral resources, exploration remains a capital-intensive and high-risk undertaking that often struggles to attract early-stage investment,” he said. Discussions will also assess the role of the Exploration Investment Company Botswana (EICB) in reducing risk and improving access to capital for exploration projects. Participants are expected to debate the pace of local beneficiation and downstream development in Botswana’s mining sector.

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The discussions will focus on regulatory, operational and market factors affecting industrialisation efforts. “Despite Botswana’s substantial mineral wealth, questions remain regarding the pace of local processing, manufacturing and downstream industry development.” Delegates will explore interventions required to accelerate value-chain development and strengthen industrial capacity. The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, is expected to outline government priorities and investment opportunities, including updates on recent sector developments.

Industry participation will include Onalenna Candy Godie of Sandfire Motheo Operations, and Othusitse Seokamo of Botswana Ash, who will contribute to discussions on industrialisation and resource utilisation, including soda ash and salt production from Sua Pan. Financial perspectives will be presented by Lesego Osman of First Capital Bank Botswana, focusing on financing models for mining and infrastructure development.

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