Botswana is entering a new phase in its mineral economy, shifting from extraction to value creation. Speaking in Gaborone, Bogolo Kenewendo outlined a strategy to capture greater economic value through local beneficiation, manufacturing, and industrial development.
At a Value Chain Development Workshop with Debswana Diamond Company, she emphasised that long-term growth requires moving beyond raw mineral exports. The focus is now on building domestic capacity, enabling citizen participation, and creating skilled employment.
Supported by updated mining legislation, Botswana is enforcing local processing, expanding citizen ownership, and embedding preferential procurement. These reforms aim to retain value within the economy while strengthening industrial capability.This marks a structural shift toward a diversified, demand-driven economy—positioning Botswana as a regional hub for mineral-based manufacturing and sustainable growth.