Hello Readers,
Welcome to the July–August edition of The Projects Magazine. In this insightful issue, we shine a spotlight on Orapa Mine — the resting place of lions on the edge of the desert pans, and a symbol of Botswana’s early dreams and ambitions.
Since its beginnings between 1967 and 1971, Orapa has carried the nation through its first major economic test. It built a town that remains intentional and pristine, harmoniously integrated into the desert landscape rather than defying it. Orapa doesn’t demand attention — it quietly tells its story through the roadbeds, water lines, plant rooms, and the long ledger of carats and pula. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of a well-managed mine.
Owned and operated by Debswana — a 50/50 joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and global diamond giant De Beers Group — Orapa is the mine that taught a young nation to dream. It set the tone for Botswana’s remarkable journey of economic transformation — a path unlike anything the world had seen before.
Over 50 years later, now under the leadership of Mogakolodi Maoketsa, Orapa Mine — in collaboration with its business partners — continues not only to drive Botswana’s economic development, but also to transform the Boteti region through high-impact social investments and community development initiatives.
We also cover the landmark signing of a historic investment partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and Al Mansour Holdings of Qatar, led by Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani, a member of the Qatari Royal Family. The $12 billion deal is set to reshape Botswana’s economic landscape, ushering in transformative projects across key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, mining, the diamond industry, agriculture, tourism, cybersecurity, and defense. According to President Boko, this investment aims to drive economic diversification, enhance national stability, and secure long-term prosperity for the country.
In addition, Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), the Government’s primary investment arm, has unveiled a bold new strategic direction. As it positions itself to become a mega investment entity at the core of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), this renewed focus will guide and inform BDC’s upcoming corporate strategy.
We also highlight the highly anticipated multi-billion pula Mophane Cargo International Airport project, set to revolutionize Botswana’s aviation and commodities sectors — as well as the broader regional economy. Citizen-owned company 123 Dimensions (Pty) Ltd has taken a bold step forward in transforming the aviation industry in Botswana, the SADC region, and the African continent at large.
The project encompasses the development of an international cargo and passenger airport, a state-of-the-art industrial hub, and a new township. The Mophane Cargo International Airport (MCIA) is a visionary initiative aimed at positioning Botswana as a key player in the African air cargo sector. It will address regional logistics challenges while significantly boosting economic growth in both Botswana and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
These — along with many other transformative projects and impactful stories — are featured in this edition. The Projects Magazine remains committed to profiling Botswana’s most compelling developmental milestones and success stories.
Enjoy the read…
