BNF pushes for broader mineral beneficiation drive
The Botswana National Front (BNF) is proposing the creation of industrial hubs to boost local mineral processing for diamonds, coal, and copper. The policy aims to retain more economic value within Botswana by moving beyond raw material exports.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing trend of resource nationalism in Africa, where nations seek to capture more value from their natural resources through domestic industrialization.
The battle for a larger share of De Beers is only one part of the broader mineral ambitions taking shape within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). Its affiliate, the Botswana National Front (BNF), is proposing the creation of industrial hubs to expand local processing and manufacturing across the diamond, coal and copper sectors.
The BNF wants Botswana to establish mineral beneficiation and industrial hubs that would allow the country to retain more value from its diamond, coal and copper resources, rather than relying primarily on the export of raw materials. The proposals are contained in a draft policy document expected to be tabled at the party’s special policy conference, scheduled for October 23 and 25.
At the heart of the proposals is the need to retain a greater share of the economic value generated by Botswana’s mineral resources. Citizen participation has also been identified as a central priority.
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