Morupule Coal Mine champions citizen-led innovation at The Local Manufacturing Summit 2025

Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) proudly lit up the Local Manufacturing Summit 2025, held under the dynamic theme: “Shaping the Future of Botswana’s Manufacturing Sector: Exploring the Opportunities of Industrial Manufacturing & Agro Processing.”

As a key player in Botswana’s economic landscape and a firm advocate for citizen empowerment, MCM’s presence was both impactful and engaging throughout the two-day summit. Our interactive exhibition stall became a hive of activity, drawing in attendees from all sectors to witness first-hand the innovative strides being made by citizen-owned enterprises that we proudly support.

Among the highlighted local businesses were:

·       Green Gem – pioneers in eco-friendly manufacturing solutions.

·       Soil Dust Binders – providing sustainable, locally developed road and environmental management technologies.

These partners are shining examples of how citizen entrepreneurship, when supported and spotlighted, can contribute meaningfully to industrial growth and agro-processing development in Botswana.

The summit officially commenced with a powerful keynote address by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, who underscored Botswana’s strategic shift toward economic diversification. The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to reshaping the nation's economic future by focusing on value chain development, local manufacturing, and broader citizen participation.

Key policy developments shared included:

·       Amendments to the Minerals and Energy Act to enable more inclusive mining practices.

·       New frameworks aimed at stimulating local supply chains and building capacity across industries.

Representing the private sector, Mr. Edwin Elias, CEO of Morupule Coal Mine and Chairman of the Botswana Chamber of Mines. In appreciation of the Minister’s vision and leadership, Mr. Elias presented a token of appreciation on behalf of the mining community.

This was followed by a captivating cultural performance curated by Morupule Coal Mine, blending music and dance to celebrate Botswana’s vibrant heritage and commitment to citizen economic inclusion. The performance was symbolic of MCM’s alignment with national priorities emphasizing not only industrial development but also the cultural and social fabric that sustains it.

Throughout the summit, Morupule Coal Mine engaged in dynamic discussions with industry leaders, government stakeholders, SMEs, and development partners. Topics ranged from building sustainable value chains, to investment opportunities in agro-processing, and leveraging mining to uplift manufacturing capabilities.

As the summit concluded, MCM reaffirmed its pledge to:

·       Champion citizen-owned business integration into the mining and manufacturing value chains.

·       Support local innovations that contribute to a greener, more resilient industrial ecosystem.

·       Collaborate with government and private stakeholders to accelerate Botswana’s transformation into a manufacturing-driven economy.

Morupule Coal Mine remains steadfast in its mission to power a brighter future for Botswana—not only through energy and mining, but by playing a central role in nurturing homegrown industries, empowering citizens, and shaping the next frontier of industrial development.

Together, we build Botswana.