TIANJIN, China, Sept. 19 — Botswana has stepped up efforts to attract Chinese investment into mining, mineral processing and energy, engaging nearly 100 Chinese companies and institutions at a high-level cooperation roundtable held in Tianjin.
The Botswana–China Mining and Energy Cooperation Roundtable, held on September 11 during the 2026 China Mining Conference and Exhibition, brought government representatives into direct discussions with companies involved in mineral exploration, mine development, mining equipment, engineering, technology, renewable energy, energy storage, finance and investment.
Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, told participants that the longstanding relationship between Botswana and China should increasingly translate into investment, business partnerships, technology transfer, skills development, employment and industrial growth.
While diamonds remain central to Botswana’s economy, Kenewendo said the country is accelerating efforts to diversify its mining sector, with growing attention being directed towards copper and critical minerals, mineral processing and beneficiation, mining services and modern mining technologies.
She told investors that Botswana is particularly interested in investment capable of generating sustainable long-term value through technology transfer, local procurement, skills development, industrialisation and employment.
The push comes as Botswana seeks to reduce its economic dependence on diamonds and develop new sources of growth while retaining more value from its mineral resources.
Presidential Envoy and Special Advisor on Investment and Economic Affairs for Asia-Pacific, Miles Nan, presented Botswana’s investment environment and mineral potential to participating Chinese companies.
Nan, who is also Executive Chairman of the Botswana–China Friendship Association, said long-term mining investment should be assessed beyond the size and grade of mineral resources.
He pointed to political stability, rule of law, policy continuity, infrastructure, governance and community relations as factors that influence the viability of long-term mining projects.
Nan also highlighted potential complementarities between Chinese industrial capabilities and Botswana’s development priorities, particularly in geological exploration, drilling, mine construction, mining equipment, smart mining, mine safety, mineral processing, renewable energy and energy storage.
Director of Mines Kenalemang Charles briefed participants on Botswana’s mineral resources and regulatory environment, including requirements affecting companies seeking opportunities in exploration, mining, processing and mining services.
Olefile Mashabila, Chief Executive Officer of Exploration Investment Company Botswana, presented opportunities in early-stage mineral exploration, exploration technologies, digitalisation and project financing.
Mashabila also engaged directly with Chinese investors on potential investment and cooperation opportunities in the mineral sector.
Chinese companies made presentations during the meeting, followed by discussions covering mining investment policies, mineral rights and market access, geological exploration, mine development, equipment, smart mining, mineral processing, renewable energy, energy storage, skills development and financing.
Government and industry representatives responded directly to questions from participating companies, giving potential investors an opportunity to seek clarification on regulatory requirements and the practical steps involved in developing projects.
Energy also featured prominently in the discussions, reflecting the close relationship between reliable electricity supply and Botswana’s ambitions to expand mining, mineral processing and industrial production.
Chinese companies have developed significant capabilities in renewable energy, battery storage and associated technologies, areas that Botswana is increasingly exploring as it seeks to strengthen its energy security and support industrial development.
The roundtable was supported by Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy and the Embassy of Botswana in China, with participation and coordination from the Business Botswana China Office and the Botswana–China Friendship Association, among other stakeholders.
The Tianjin engagement forms part of a broader effort to deepen economic ties between Botswana and China beyond conventional trade, with increasing attention being placed on investment, local production, technology transfer and industrial capacity.
The next test will be whether the investor interest generated in Tianjin translates into concrete projects, financing commitments and long-term industrial partnerships.