Botswana Moves To Expand Mineral Exploration Beyond Diamonds

Thursday 6th February 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

Botswana mining exploration beyond diamonds is set to accelerate after the country’s mines minister said about 70% of Botswana remains unexplored and that a new state-owned exploration company will lead efforts to identify minerals beyond diamonds.

The announcement comes as Botswana’s diamond-dependent model faces new headwinds. Reuters reported that diamonds still contribute around one-third of national revenue and about 75% of foreign exchange, but the market has been strained by a global downturn and growing competition from lab-grown alternatives. In that environment, diversification is not a policy slogan; it is a fiscal and balance-of-payments necessity.

Minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo said the strategic shift would prioritise higher-value minerals such as copper and cobalt, which are increasingly linked to global clean-energy supply chains. The question is how quickly Botswana can convert geological potential into a bankable pipeline. Exploration is high-risk, capital-intensive, and often underfunded when commodity prices are uncertain.

Botswana’s approach aims to reduce that uncertainty by improving geological data and de-risking early-stage prospects to attract investors. Reuters noted that investor reluctance is partly due to exploration risk, and that better geological information is expected to help mitigate it. If executed well, this can shorten the time from reconnaissance to drilling decisions and make the country more competitive in the race for exploration capital.

The move also sits within a wider geopolitical competition for critical minerals. Reuters reported preliminary US interest in partnerships, though discussions are at an early stage. For African producers, that competition can bring financing and offtake opportunities, but it also increases the importance of clear licensing, transparency, and long-term beneficiation strategies that protect national value capture.

For Southern Africa, Botswana’s diversification push could influence regional mineral corridors, processing investment, and infrastructure planning. If Botswana develops new copper or battery-mineral projects, it could raise demand for power, water, rail logistics and cross-border export routes, with spillovers into neighbouring economies.

Botswana mining exploration beyond diamonds: what is changing

Botswana mining exploration beyond diamonds will be led by a new state-owned exploration company, with government highlighting that about 70% of the country remains unexplored and that focus will expand to minerals such as copper and cobalt.

Next steps

Investors will look for details on the exploration company’s mandate, funding model, licensing pathways, and data release plans, as well as early target areas and timelines for surveys and drilling programmes.

Why it matters

Botswana’s fiscal resilience is closely tied to minerals. Diversifying beyond diamonds could protect revenues and FX inflows, while positioning the country within fast-growing global demand for critical minerals.