GABORONE, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's mining sector must be a catalyst for broader national transformation, extending beyond the extraction of minerals to the empowerment of people, said Botswana's Minister for State President, Defense and Security Moeti Mohwasa on Tuesday.
Mohwasa made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech under the theme "Mining for National Transformation: Strengthening Governance, Economic Diversification and Citizen Prosperity," and officially opening the three-day Botswana Mining Show at the Gaborone International Convention Center in the capital of the country.
"We must invest in skills development, equip communities with opportunities beyond mining, diversify our economy, and improve the livelihoods of those living in mining areas," he said.
"Our mineral wealth must translate into sustainable opportunities, inclusive growth, and lasting prosperity for our citizens," he noted. "The true measure of our mineral wealth is not only what we extract from the ground, but how we transform the lives of our people."
"Our next phase of growth will not be measured only by what we extract from the ground, but by how efficiently we connect what we extract to markets, to industry, and to our people," said Letlhogonolo Barongwang, assistant minister of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, at the event.
He said the Botswanan government aims to transform Botswana from landlocked to landlinked. The transport infrastructure is an enabler for mining development, citizen empowerment and regional trade, as efficient transport is the backbone of a competitive mining sector, reducing cost-to-market, improving safety and unlocking value across the mineral value chain.
The 2026 Botswana Mining Show convenes industry leaders to unlock Botswana's next generation of mineral opportunities through strategic dialogue, exhibitions, networking, and partnerships that drive exploration, investment, sustainable growth, and economic diversification across Africa. ■
