Botswana and Zambia Explore Joint Mining Equipment Manufacturing Hub
Botswana and Zambia Consider Joint Venture to Manufacture Mining Equipment and Reduce Import Dependence
Botswana and Zambia are exploring the establishment of a jointly owned mining equipment manufacturing hub aimed at reducing import dependence, promoting technology transfer and supporting mining-led industrialisation.
Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, disclosed the proposal while speaking at the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka 2026 in Lusaka, which was officiated by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
Kenewendo attended the event on behalf of Botswana’s President, Duma Boko, who had been invited as a guest speaker but was unable to attend due to other commitments.
She said the proposed initiative would help address the two countries’ reliance on imported mining equipment, technology and related supplies despite their established mining industries.
The proposed hub would enable Botswana and Zambia to manufacture or assemble mining equipment for their domestic markets, with the potential to supply other countries across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Feasibility Studies Underway
The initiative remains at the conceptualisation stage, with feasibility studies underway to assess its commercial viability and long-term sustainability.
If implemented, the project could create opportunities for local manufacturers and suppliers, strengthen bilateral cooperation, support technical skills development and retain a greater share of mining-related expenditure within the region.
The proposal also reflects broader efforts to expand value addition beyond mineral extraction by developing local manufacturing, engineering and industrial capabilities.
For Botswana and Zambia, a joint manufacturing hub could provide a platform for sharing expertise, developing regional supply chains and strengthening the participation of domestic businesses in the mining industry.
The initiative could also support wider industrial development across the SADC region by positioning the two countries as potential suppliers of mining equipment and related technologies.
