Botswana Mining Review Comprehensive Coverage of the Progress and Achievements in the Mining Sector
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Forget the dusty stereotypes of hard hats and grizzled men – a new force is reshaping the very bedrock of Africa’s mining industry. From Botswana’s glittering diamond deals to Uganda’s copper revival and Malawi’s burgeoning rare earth ambitions, women are not just participating; they are leading the charge, forging a future that is both more inclusive and more sustainable.
This powerful shift will take centre stage at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, held in the vibrant city of Cape Town from October 1st to 3rd. The dedicated Women in Leadership Forum promises to be a dynamic hub, connecting these trailblazing female leaders with global investors, strategic partners, and a wealth of emerging project opportunities that are ripe for the picking.
Consider the steely resolve of Bogolo Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Mining. She is spearheading structural reforms with the precision of a master diamond cutter, strengthening investor partnerships and strategically expanding the nation’s diamond value chain. Her recent landmark agreement with De Beers, a deal that doubles Botswana’s share of rough diamonds from the Debswana joint venture to a significant 50% over the next decade, is a testament to her negotiating prowess. This agreement, which also extends Debswana’s mining license for a further 25 years, underscores the enduring power of diamonds in Botswana’s economy, a sector that impressively accounts for 80% of exports and a quarter of the nation’s GDP.
Across the continent in Uganda, the equally formidable Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, is digging deep to revitalize the country’s mineral sector through astute strategic partnerships. The recent signing of Uganda’s first-ever Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for the redevelopment of the Kilembe copper mines with Sarrai Group Limited and Nile Fibreboard Limited signals a significant step forward. Furthermore, Uganda is on the cusp of its maiden commercial rare earth production at the Makuutu Project, a venture developed in collaboration with Ionic Rare Earths, with operations anticipated to commence in 2026. This marks Uganda’s bold entry into the critical minerals arena.
Malawi, under the leadership of its Minister of Mining, Monica Chang’anamuno, is also undergoing a mineral metamorphosis. Her focus on diversifying the nation’s mineral portfolio and bolstering sector governance is attracting significant attention. The World Bank projects that Malawi could potentially rake in a staggering $30 billion in mineral revenues between 2026 and 2040, fuelled by promising developments in uranium, graphite, and rare earth elements. Lotus Resources is aiming to commence initial uranium production at the Kayelekera Mine as early as the third quarter of this year. Adding further impetus, Malawi established its first-ever Mining Regulatory Authority in late 2024, a move designed to streamline approvals and accelerate crucial project development.
The influence of women extends far beyond the corridors of government. Visionary female executives are at the helm of major players in the energy and mining landscape, steering the industry’s evolution with both strategic acumen and a commitment to a more responsible future.
Kelly Ayuk Mealia, the dynamic Chairperson and Co-founder of Energy Capital & Power – the very organizers of African Mining Week – is a powerful voice championing investment and project development across the continent. Her insights are invaluable in navigating the complexities of the African energy and mining sectors.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Marie-Chantal Kaninda, the President of Glencore DRC, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the DRC’s global dominance in the crucial minerals of cobalt and copper. Her strategic leadership is vital in a sector that underpins the global transition to clean energy.
Back in South Africa, Nolitha Fakude, the Chairperson of Anglo American South Africa, is a prominent advocate for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and the critical importance of diversity within the industry. Her voice carries significant weight in shaping responsible mining practices.
While the original article mentioned Nombasa Tsengwa as the CEO of Exxaro Resources, it’s worth noting that Ben Magara was appointed as the new CEO of Exxaro in March 2025. This highlights the dynamic nature of leadership within the sector.
Other notable women leaving their indelible mark include Elizabeth Rogo, CEO of Tsavo Oilfield Services in Kenya; Naomi Biney, CEO of Goldridge Ghana Limited in Ghana; and Nneka Ezeigwe, CEO of Eta Zuma Mining and Industries in Nigeria. These women, and many more, are shattering glass ceilings and demonstrating that leadership in mining is no longer a male preserve.
The Women in Leadership Forum at AMW 2025 will undoubtedly serve as a powerful platform to amplify these stories of success and highlight how women are not merely contributing to Africa’s mining industry but are actively redefining it – forging a future that is not only economically prosperous but also more inclusive, sustainable, and ultimately, more resilient. African Mining Week, alongside the co-located African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference, promises to be the definitive stage for exploring the vast and evolving opportunities that the continent’s rich mineral resources offer.
