Botswana Mining Review Comprehensive Coverage of the Progress and Achievements in the Mining Sector
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The Women in Mining Botswana Organisation (WiMBO) held its fourth annual Pitso conference in Gaborone from 21- 22 May 2026, bringing together women professionals, industry leaders, policymakers and strategic partners under the theme “Unearthing Excellence: Women Transforming the Mining Value Chain.” The gathering was more than a conference, it was a declaration that women’s participation in Botswana’s mining sector has moved from aspiration to agenda.
The government’s commitment to that agenda was signalled from the outset. Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo was represented by the Director of Minerals Affairs Hosiah Chimbombi, who delivered a key message during the WiMBO Pitso. He outlined the government’s commitment to enabling policies, improved access to skills development, better financing options, stronger data systems and deeper industry collaboration. He was direct about what this represents strategically, empowering women in mining is not only a matter of fairness but an economic strategy capable of improving productivity and strengthening the industry. His closing message to delegates was equally clear, of build networks, mentor younger colleagues and advance a more inclusive and competitive mining sector.
The programme reflected the breadth of transformation that WiMBO is driving. A panel discussion on talent pipelines explored how fit-for-purpose education, mentorship and strategic development can shape the next generation of women in mining, with contributions from Alphonsinah Mojuta of UniPod Botswana, Pontsho Nkagisang of the WiMBO Young Professionals Network, and Nikki Nicole Kayla of MMG Limited. Debswana Diamond Company Chief Operations Officer Koolatotse Koolatotse delivered a fireside chat titled “Beyond Diamonds: Sustainable Economic Development – Hindsight is a Great Teacher,” examining how Botswana’s mining legacy can underpin a more resilient and inclusive economic future. The Botswana Chamber of Mines Chief Executive, Charles Siwawa spoke on the changing role of women across the mining value chain, whilst speakers Onalenna C. Godie, Naseem Banu Lahri and Esther V. Kanaimba-Senai brought leadership, operational excellence and advocacy perspectives to a programme designed to celebrate women already reshaping the sector.
Debswana Diamond Company served as an official sponsor of this year’s conference, reinforcing the alignment between Botswana’s flagship mining institution and WiMBO’s mission of advancing inclusivity and leadership development across the industry. WiMBO’s founding principle of ‘Nothing for Us, Without Us’ captures the philosophy that has driven the organisation since its inception. As Botswana marks 60 years of diamond-led development and looks towards a more diversified, inclusive and sustainable mining future, the women gathering at this Pitso are not observers of that transition. They are among its architects.
