Zambia, Botswana Explore Mining Equipment Manufacturing and Mineral Processing Partnership

Zambia and Botswana are exploring a partnership that could see the two countries expand cooperation in mining equipment manufacturing, mineral processing and engineering as they seek to capture more economic value from Africa’s mineral wealth.

The proposals include a potential industrial campus for mining equipment production and engineering services, supported by a proposed 300-megawatt solar power project and battery energy storage facility. The projects remain subject to commercial and technical assessments.

The plans were outlined at the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII) 2026 in Lusaka, where Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, represented by Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, called for African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and invest more in industries that create jobs and build local expertise.

Boko said the continent’s mineral wealth should be judged not only by the resources it extracts, but also by the industries, skills and economic opportunities developed around them.

“Africa must move beyond being a source of raw materials to becoming a centre of mineral processing, advanced manufacturing and innovation,” he said.

Under the proposed cooperation, the two countries would draw on their mineral resources, technical expertise and geographical positions to develop regional supply chains and improve the competitiveness of their mining industries.

Areas under consideration include technical skills development, mining equipment manufacturing, engineering, fabrication and procurement. Botswana’s mining experience could also be used to strengthen Zambia’s technical capacity and support local businesses.

The proposals extend beyond manufacturing. Boko also highlighted plans for a mining intelligence platform to identify procurement opportunities across the region, as well as a mineral traceability system intended to improve transparency and confidence in mineral supply chains.

He said stronger regional cooperation should translate into practical benefits for citizens, including employment, skills transfer and greater participation by African businesses in the mining industry.

“We want to move from importing mining equipment and industrial services to developing the capacity to produce them within our region,” he said.

The proposed initiatives reflect a broader push for African countries to retain more value from their natural resources instead of relying primarily on mineral exports.

ZAMII 2026 is being held under the theme, “Transforming Africa’s Mining Landscape: Regional Value Chains, Shared Prosperity and Empowering Communities.” The gathering brings together government representatives, investors and industry stakeholders to discuss ways of turning the continent’s mineral resources into broader and more sustainable economic gains.