The President of the Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has confirmed to attend the 2022 Investing in African Mining Indaba, taking place in Cape Town from 9 – 12 May 2022, where he will share his insights on the diversification of the mining industry and his push for greater innovation in the sector.
Mining remains Botswana’s biggest revenue earner, accounting for about 85% of national foreign exchange earnings, one-third of government revenue, and one-fifth of GDP. In recent years the government has actively sought to diversify its economy from its reliance on mining, particularly diamonds.
While Botswana continues to be one of the world’s largest diamond producers by volume, President Masisi has been actively advocating for expansion and development of the country’s diamond, coal, copper, silver and gold resources. He is also encouraging greater investment in a knowledge-based economy and the adoption of innovation in mining.
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Evolution of African Mining
Building on the Mining Indaba 2022’s theme – Evolution of African Mining – the President is expected to share his insights on Botswana’s progress and his ambition to develop a vibrant and diversified mineral sector that contributes to the sustainable development of the Botswana economy in an inclusive manner that allows for the participation of local indigenous business. The government of Botswana wants to ensure that investments in its economy offer mutually beneficial upside to both the investor and local partners.
Facilitating greater local participation in the economy led to the launch of the government’s Middle Income Strategy in December 2021. The objective the strategy is to facilitate the middle class to effectively participate in the economy through the creation of globally competitive sustainable businesses and by boosting employment opportunities.
After the virtual event in 2021, the May 2022 Mining Indaba is back in person. A significant platform for over 27 years, the Indaba will this year expand its industry-leading content to include a Green Metals Day, a Host Buyer Programme and an Infrastructure & Supply Chain content stream. The investment battlefield has also been reimagined as the Innovation & Research Battlefield to encourage collaboration between the mining industry and academia.
