Botswana and Zambia are exploring strategic partnerships aimed at boosting mining investment, promoting local manufacturing and accelerating industrialisation through regional cooperation.

Speaking at the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII) 2026 in Lusaka, Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, represented by Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, called on African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and focus on value addition, mineral processing and job creation.

President Boko said the partnership could leverage the two countries’ mineral resources, technical expertise and strategic positions to develop regional value chains and strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in the global mining industry.

Proposed areas of cooperation include technical skills development, mining equipment manufacturing, engineering, fabrication and regional supply chains.The countries are also considering an industrial campus for mining equipment production, mineral processing and engineering services, linked to a proposed 300-megawatt solar photovoltaic project and battery energy storage facility, subject to technical and commercial assessments.

Other initiatives under consideration include a mining intelligence platform to identify regional procurement opportunities and a mineral traceability system to improve transparency and confidence in mineral supply chains.

President Boko emphasised that regional mining cooperation should create jobs, transfer skills and increase the participation of local businesses in the mining sector.

The ZAMII 2026 conference is being held under the theme, “Transforming Africa’s Mining Landscape: Regional Value Chains, Shared Prosperity and Empowering Communities.”

The event brings together government officials, investors and industry stakeholders to explore ways of turning Africa’s mineral wealth into sustainable economic growth.