Palapye, Botswana – October 2025

Minerals Development Company Botswana (MDCB) continues its dedication to nurturing academic excellence and empowering Botswana’s future leaders in the mining and resources sector at the 10th Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) Graduation Ceremony.

Held under the inspiring theme “Charting New Orbits: Igniting Innovation, Entrepreneurship, National Development, and Pride,” the ceremony celebrated the achievements of outstanding graduates who are poised to shape the nation’s scientific and industrial future.

Honouring Academic Excellence

For the third consecutive year, MDCB sponsored the Best Female in BSc Geology Award, valued at P10,000, as part of a five-year sponsorship agreement that runs until 2027. This initiative underscores MDCB’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender inclusivity and academic achievement in STEM fields, particularly within Botswana’s growing minerals industry.

This year’s award was presented to Ms. Goitseone Lovely Mahika, who distinguished herself not only as the Best Female in BSc Geology but also as the Best Overall Student in BSc Geology, the latter sponsored by Sandfire Resources. Her remarkable dual achievement reflects the passion, excellence, and innovation that continue to define Botswana’s young scientists and future mining professionals.

Representing MDCB at the event, Dr. Larona Sethunya Teseletso presented the sponsorship award on behalf of the company, extending MDCB’s congratulations and encouragement to the graduates.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The ceremony was officiated by Acting President Ndaba Gaolathe, who commended the graduates for their perseverance and dedication. In his keynote address, he urged them to play an active role in advancing Botswana’s economic transformation and highlighted the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme as a blueprint for building a diversified, digitally led economy that generates inclusive growth and sustainable opportunities.

Investing in Botswana’s Future

Through its partnership with BIUST, MDCB continues to champion educational excellence and empower young talent in critical fields such as Geology and Chemistry. By recognising and rewarding top-performing students, MDCB is helping to build a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive the next phase of Botswana’s sustainable development.

MDCB remains steadfast in its mission to invest in human capital, inspiring innovation, fostering inclusivity, and contributing to a sustainable future for Botswana’s mining and minerals sector

About Minerals Development Company Botswana (MDCB):

Minerals Development Company Botswana (Pty) Ltd is an investment holding company wholly owned and established by the Government of Botswana to grow, optimise and diversify the Government’s mining and mineral investment portfolio with a view to generating attractive financial returns and contribute to Botswana’s financial security. MDCB also provides advisory services (commercial and technical) to the Government and facilitates the development of the Botswana’s mining and minerals sector. As part of its mandate the company also houses the Government Diamond Valuation (GDV) function responsible for negotiating best prices for the country’s diamonds and deriving optimum value thereof, for the benefit of Batswana.

For More Information
Website: www.mdcb.co.bw 
Email: info@mdcb.co.bw 
Phone: +267 3810 300