The nation now hosts exploration and early‑stage mining of copper, nickel, manganese, lithium, uranium, gold, and silver.

Significant investments include:

•    Premium Resources: six‑month copper and nickel exploration in Selebi North and Selebi Main, launched in April 2025
•    BHP: acquired stakes in Kitlanya East and West copper‑nickel projects, signalling a private‑sector vote of confidence
•    Lotus Resources: progressing the Letlhakane uranium project, confirmed viable in March 2025 with up to 3 million pounds/year output
•    Botswana Diamonds: using AI‑driven exploration to identify new gold, copper, and platinum group targets since late 2024

President Duma Boko and other leaders emphasize AI, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy investments to support critical mineral extraction and beneficiation, including solar farms, mini‑grids, data centres, and innovation hubs. Given that these minerals are essential to clean energy transitions Botswana is positioning itself as a key supplier to global supply chains.

Botswana’s success stems from robust frameworks: a stable Mining Act, minimal amendments, no ministerial discretion, and efficient license administration via an online cadastre. The country routinely invests in public geophysical surveys and disseminates data to attract private investment.

Botswana’s emphasis is shifting from raw exports to localized value addition. Okavango Diamond Company is increasing rough‑diamond share aims to scale domestic cutting and polishing. The Diamond Technology Park in Gaborone now hosts manufacturers, gem labs, and innovation clusters adjacent to the Botswana Innovation Hub.

Despite strong fundamentals, key challenges remain:

•    Balancing investor confidence and local empowerment: Proposed policy reforms, including raising state minority stakes (via paid equity options up to 24%), must avoid deterring foreign investment or enabling rent‑seeking

•    Ensuring transparency in new funds and agreements: For example, the DDF and Pula Fund need open governance to ensure anti‑corruption and real developmental impact

•    Economic inclusion and workforce transition: With youth unemployment high, scaling rural education and building capabilities for agribusiness and tourism is pressing

•    Financing infrastructure and value‑chain development: Rail connectivity, industrial zones, and energy infrastructure are essential enablers of beneficiation exports

If Botswana continues refining its ESG practices, transparency in new funds, and inclusive growth projects, then its story may become not just a diamond success, but a global model of resource‑led, diversified development.