24/08/2026
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The Ministry of Higher Education, MMG Khoemacau and China Minmetals Corporation (CMC) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish a Centre of Mining Excellence in Maun, in a partnership aimed at addressing critical skills shortages in Botswanaβs mining sector.
The agreement, signed under the theme βFrom Skills to Opportunity,β brings together Government, the mining industry and international expertise, with a particular focus on developing skills for mechanised and underground mining.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Higher Education Hon. Prince Maele said the MoA gives practical effect to Botswanaβs newly validated National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Policy.
βToday is more than a ceremony. It represents a shared commitment that the wealth beneath our soil must help build the minds above it.β
The Minister said the country is now moving βfrom aspiration to implementationβ, with the agreement setting out training pathways and clear obligations aimed at ensuring Batswana acquire the skills required for both the present and future mining industry.
He further said the future value of mining should not only be measured by the tonnes of ore extracted, but by:
βthe knowledge we create, the technologies we master, and the skills we cultivate.β
The partnership also introduces an important international dimension to Botswanaβs mining skills development through the involvement of China Minmetals Corporation.
CMC Chairman Mr. Chen Dextin described the partnership as βa bridge of friendship between China and Botswanaβ, and said the corporation is committed to maintaining a long-term presence in the country.
He said CMC would work with its partners to train local skilled workers equipped with world-class technologies, while contributing to Botswanaβs economic and social development.
The MoA provides for collaboration in curriculum development, practical training, mentorship and scholarships, while the Centre is intended to become a benchmark institution for TVET in mining.
Minister of Minerals and Energy Hon. Bogolo J. Kenewendo said Botswanaβs diversification into other minerals and adoption of new technologies makes skills development increasingly important.
βThis Centre in Maun will become a cornerstone for what mineral development means in terms of skills.β
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Hon. Dr. Phenyo Butale, highlighted the long-standing relationship between Botswana and China. He noted that since 2018, the two governments have signed three economic and technical cooperation agreements worth more than P1 billion.
Drawing lessons from Chinaβs development, Hon. Butale said:
βChinaβs transformation was not built on resources alone. It was built on the skills of its people.β
He then delivered one of the strongest statements of the ceremony:
βDiamonds do not certify an engineer, only institutions do that.β
Hon. Butale said the investment should ultimately ensure that young Batswana do not merely benefit from the mining industry, but lead it.
For Botswanaβs TVET sector, the agreement strengthens the link between training, industry and the skills demanded by the mining economy. The Centre is expected to provide pathways for practical training while supporting the development of a workforce capable of working with modern mining technologies.
The Ministry says implementation will begin immediately, with clear timelines and accountability measures intended to ensure that the agreement produces measurable results.
