15 Sep 2024

The mining and energy industry is experiencing a global renaissance, with Botswana emerging a key player through innovative projects across the mining, renewable energy, and power sectors. 

This exciting development was highlighted at the second Botswana Mining Energy and Exhibition Conference (BME), which took place in Gaborone in March, attracting industry experts from around the globe, including representatives from New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, and Mauritius.

The conference aimed to showcase Botswana’s vast mineral resources and potential, underscoring the country’s role in the regional and global mining landscape. 

Daniel Radziszewski, the managing director of Spire Events and organiser of the conference, said there was 60 per cent increase in the number of sponsors and exhibitors compared to the 2023 edition. 

Ng Chin Chye, director of Marketing and Public Relations for BME, emphasised the significance of such conferences in fostering collaboration among stakeholders. 

“These events are crucial as they allow participants to learn from each other’s presentations and discussions,” he stated. 

Key resolutions drawn from the conference highlighted the necessity for government and the private sector to collaborate effectively to harness Botswana’s mineral value chain. 

Chye noted that Botswana possessed all the essential elements to further enhance its status as a success story in Africa’s mining sector.

Evelyn Gondo, a representative from JA Solar International, described the conference as an invaluable platform for addressing industry challenges and finding viable solutions tailored to Botswana’s specific context. 

She suggested that cooperation towards accessing funding and creating robust networks, particularly through such initiatives as Women in Mining, are vital for future success. 

As a major solar panel manufacturer, JA Solar provides large-scale solar systems aimed at enhancing energy efficiency for the mining industry.

In a commendable move, Spire Events facilitated the attendance of 20 women by offering complimentary conference tickets and an exhibition stand for Women in Mining Botswana (WiMBO). 

This aligns with WiMBO’s mission to promote gender equality within the mining and energy sectors.

Esther Kanaimba-Senai of WiMBO praised Spire Events for their initiative, linking it to the International Day theme; Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. 

She urged all mining and corporate entities to invest in Women in Mining to foster significant advancement within the industry.

Kanaimba-Senai stressed the importance of gender diversity in the mining sector, noting that inclusive and balanced workplaces tend to be more innovative and economically successful. "In the vast landscapes of the global economy, mining stands as a cornerstone," she said while underscoring the importance of addressing the existing gender disparities, she warned that excluding women’s talents and perspectives could hinder potential innovation and growth in the mining sector. 

“Women have a unique opportunity to shatter the glass ceiling and break down barriers within this vital industry,” she asserted.

WiMBO’s primary goal, according to Kanaimba-Senai, is to enhance women’s capacity for growth and participation in mining, energy, and other extractive industries, ensuring their contributions are recognised in Botswana’s economic development.

Furthermore, WiMBO aims to provide a platform for women to advocate for their rights and influences within the mining, energy, and extractive sectors, ultimately contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Number 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls globally. 

The conference concluded with the call for gender equality, highlighting the necessity for inclusivity as the mining sector looks towards a brighter and more equitable future. Ends