Hello Reader,
Welcome to our January–February edition—our first issue of 2026. In this edition, we spotlight the De Beers–Botswana partnership, exploring how this over five-decade relationship has built mining expertise and capabilities that are globally renowned and sought after.
We interviewed Thabile Moipolai, Senior Vice President for People Partnering, Diamond Trading at De Beers Group, who described the Botswana–De Beers partnership as a longstanding strategic alliance that has played a pivotal role in nation-building. For more than five decades, she noted, the relationship has been grounded in a simple but powerful belief: that diamonds must translate into tangible, sustainable capabilities for Batswana.
De Beers is sharpening its focus on capability development, using new talent programmes to accelerate the nation’s human capital journey—deepening the talent pool, widening access, and equipping leaders for an increasingly demanding environment. “The new suite of talent development programmes represents a deliberate acceleration of Botswana’s human capital journey,” Moipolai explains, adding that the next frontier lies in leadership, digital fluency, innovation, and global competitiveness.
In February 2025, Botswana and De Beers signed a landmark agreement to extend their partnership, anchored by a new 10-year sales agreement. The deal also includes key initiatives aimed at advancing Botswana’s participation in the diamond value chain. These include talent development programmes such as the International Graduate Development Programme, Internship Programme, Scholarship Programme, Leaders Accelerator Programme, and the Government Leadership Programme. In this edition, we unpack these initiatives and highlight how De Beers is transforming diamond wealth into a globally competitive talent economy.
President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Boko, together with his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema, officially inaugurated the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA) on February 24. The Authority, a joint body established by the governments of Botswana and Zambia, is tasked with managing and operating the Kazungula Bridge and its One-Stop Border Post (OSBP). It is designed to streamline regional trade and enhance efficiency along one of Southern Africa’s most critical transport corridors.
The official launch marked a significant milestone in strengthening regional integration and transforming the Kazungula crossing into a high-efficiency economic corridor. Central to this development is the rollout of 24-hour border operations—an intentional shift from symbolic cooperation to meaningful integration. By enabling the continuous movement of goods and people, Botswana and Zambia aim to reduce transit times, lower transport costs, and improve supply chain reliability along the North–South Corridor.
On Friday, 5 February 2026, MMG Limited, a subsidiary of global metals giant China Minmetals Corporation, officially launched the Khoemacau Expansion Project—a multi-billion pula investment set to more than double production at Botswana’s flagship copper mine. The launch ceremony, officiated by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, took place at Khoemacau’s Zone 5 near Toteng in North West Botswana. Senior executives from China Minmetals attended in person, while others joined virtually from Beijing.
The expansion will increase annual production capacity to 130,000 tonnes of copper concentrate, with associated silver output expected to exceed 4 million ounces. This development will significantly elevate Botswana’s copper production.
In mid-February, Botswana participated in the annual Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa—a global event that brings together over 10,000 mining stakeholders. The country participated under the theme: “Five Decades of Mining Excellence: The Next Era Starts Now – Invest in Botswana, a Proven Partner for the Future.” Botswana’s presence featured leading mining companies and institutions engaging in panel discussions, technical presentations, ministerial sessions, and targeted investment meetings.
A key highlight was Botswana’s Country Showcase, where the nation presented its mineral endowment and highlighted extensive investment opportunities across the mining value chain, along with major sector advancements.
These and many other exciting stories are featured in this edition.
Enjoy your read.
