Gaborone, Botswana – December 2024

Minerals Development Company Botswana (MDCB) demonstrated its strategic thought leadership at the inaugural Botswana Supply Chain Summit, where it played an influential role in shaping discussions on logistics, infrastructure, and ethical sourcing for the mining and bulk commodities sectors.

The summit brought together senior policymakers, industry experts, and corporate leaders to tackle the complexities of regional trade and supply networks with MDCB contributing valuable insights on how strategic planning and sustainability can transform Botswana into a regional logistics hub.

Advancing Infrastructure and Market Access

Representing the company on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, MDCB Procurement Advisor, Mr. Keorapetse Mooketsi, participated as a panellist in two high-impact sessions.

During the first plenary, focused on logistics and supply chain management for bulk commodities, Mr. Mooketsi highlighted Botswana’s strategic advantage in regional connectivity and its potential to become a gateway for mineral exports across Southern Africa.

He emphasised opportunities such as leveraging the Trans-Kalahari Transport Corridor to reduce dependency on congested South African ports and optimising the Kazungula Rail-Road Bridge to enhance trade efficiency and competitiveness.

Promoting Ethical Sourcing and Sustainable Procurement

In a subsequent session on sustainable and ethical sourcing, Mr. Mooketsi spotlighted MDCB’s strong commitment to embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within its procurement framework. He advocated for balanced local content policies that nurture domestic industries while maintaining market competitiveness.

“Our participation in this summit underscores MDCB’s role as a thought leader in developing Botswana’s mining ecosystem,” said Mr. Mooketsi. “By tackling infrastructure gaps and strengthening ethical sourcing practices, we are helping build a more resilient and sustainable supply chain that benefits both our industry and the broader economy.”

Building Resilient Supply Chains for National Growth

MDCB’s contributions to the summit reinforced its dedication to responsible procurement, sustainable growth, and regional cooperation. The company’s insights highlighted how infrastructure development and ethical sourcing are not merely operational concerns but strategic imperatives for Botswana’s long-term economic transformation.

By engaging in these vital national conversations, MDCB continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the systems and standards that will define Botswana’s mining and logistics future one rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.

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