Gaborone, Botswana – June 2025

Minerals Development Company Botswana (MDCB) is taking a bold step toward shaping the future of Botswana’s mining industry one defined by innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. At the 3rd Women in Mining Botswana Organisation (WiMBO) Pitso, MDCB joined sector leaders, policymakers, and academics in charting a new course for a mining sector that empowers people as much as it extracts resources.

Held under the theme “Embracing Inclusivity and Resilience for a New Era,” the conference gathered stakeholders from across the mining ecosystem to explore how the country can harness research, technology, and collaboration to drive equitable and long-term growth.

Leading the Conversation on Research and Development

MDCB brought its expertise to a fireside chat on “Investing in Mining – Research & Development (R&D): A Practical Look at Case Studies from Other Countries.”
The discussion examined how Botswana can strengthen its R&D capabilities to transition from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-led mining hub that drives sustainable value creation.

Dr Larona Sethunya Teseletso Head of Market Intelligence, Research & Strategy (Acting) underscored the importance of strategic collaboration between government, academia, and industry to unlock innovation, highlighting opportunities in data science, digital mining, and engineering research as key to future competitiveness.

“The Pitso reaffirmed that Botswana stands at a strategic inflection point,” said Dr Teseletso. “With our rich mineral base and stable policy environment, we have the opportunity to become a regional leader in innovation-led mining, but this requires deliberate, long-term investment in research, skills, and inclusivity.”

Empowering Women and Communities in Mining

Another strong theme was the advancement of women in mining as a cornerstone of inclusive development. The event celebrated the growing participation of women in technical, leadership, and entrepreneurial roles — emphasising that gender diversity is essential for sector resilience and innovation.

MDCB’s contribution aligned with its ongoing efforts to champion diversity and equitable access across the mining value chain. The company continues to advocate for more women and youth in science, engineering, and decision-making roles that will define the next era of Botswana’s mining excellence.

“Empowering women in mining is central to building sector resilience,” noted Dr Larona Sethunya Teseletso Head of Market Intelligence, Research & Strategy (Acting). “Diverse perspectives drive better innovation, decision-making, and community outcomes — all essential ingredients for a sustainable mining future.”

Innovation, Inclusivity, and Sustainability: The Way Forward

MDCB’s participation at the WiMBO Pitso highlighted its broader commitment to building a modern, responsible, and inclusive mining sector. By supporting national dialogues on research, innovation, and equality, MDCB continues to help steer Botswana toward a more diversified and future-ready minerals economy.

As Botswana accelerates its journey toward sustainable growth and energy transition, MDCB remains dedicated to ensuring that innovation and inclusivity power the next generation of mining success stories — creating opportunity, driving transformation, and building a future where every Motswana shares in the nation’s prosperity.

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