Palapye, Botswana – May 2023

Minerals Development Company Botswana (MDCB) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Botswana’s knowledge economy by playing a leading role in the country’s National Science Week a landmark event celebrating the power of science, technology, and innovation to shape a prosperous and self-reliant future.

Bringing together students, educators, researchers, and policymakers, the event spotlighted the importance of scientific thinking in driving national development and industrial transformation.

Powering the Future Through Research and Innovation

As a partner, MDCB invited Dr. Samson Bada, a distinguished minerals research expert from the University of the Witwatersrand, to deliver an engaging public lecture titled “Innovation in Minerals: Powering Botswana’s Future.”

Dr. Bada captivated audiences by transforming complex scientific concepts into inspiring real-world applications illustrating how innovation can turn local challenges into opportunities. One of his most compelling examples was a local enterprise that converts an invasive plant species into clean-burning charcoal, addressing environmental and energy needs simultaneously.

He also unveiled the vast potential of deriving advanced materials like carbon fibre from coal, which could propel Botswana into global high-value manufacturing sectors such as aerospace and automotive industries.

“Research is not just about discovery, it’s about directing what already exists toward groundbreaking applications,” said Dr. Bada. “Botswana’s youth hold the key to unlocking this potential.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

The session concluded with a stirring address by MDCB’s Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Matthews Bagopi, who encouraged students to view science as the foundation of national progress.

“The future of our country rests on the skills and ingenuity of our young people,” Mr. Bagopi remarked. “Decide today what path you will take to better Botswana. We need the next generation of researchers, scientists, and innovators to build the knowledge-based economy we all envision.”

Investing in Knowledge for Sustainable Growth

MDCB’s involvement in National Science Week underscores its belief that research, innovation, and human capital development are essential to the long-term sustainability of Botswana’s mining and minerals sector. The company continues to champion initiatives that link scientific research with industrial application — ensuring that Botswana not only extracts mineral wealth but also builds the intellectual capital to sustain it.

Through this initiative, MDCB once again demonstrated its strategic foresight — investing not only in mineral assets but also in the minds and ideas that will shape Botswana’s future.

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