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𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 Botswana’s mining talent is ready to compete and lead on the global stage, but only if institutions of higher learning, industry and professionals embrace innovation, mobility, and strategic partnerships, according to speakers at a high-level panel discussion on exporting talent and expertise in the mining sector during the Future of Mining Summit 2025. The dialogue, chaired by Naledi Mining Services HR Director Thapelo Dintwa on the topic “Exporting Talent & Mining Expertise: Botswana’s Role in Shaping Future Skills, Innovation and Industry Evolution", had calls to rethink how Botswana trains, retains and deploys mining talent in an increasingly digital and interconnected global industry. University of Botswana, Vice Chancellor Professor David Norris acknowledged the disconnect between academia and the mining sector’s evolving needs. “We have not been agile enough. With mining playing such a key role in Botswana’s economy, our graduates should be global-ready. We are putting new frameworks in place to ensure that,” he said. Norris pointed to the lack of formal partnerships between government, academia, and industry as a major hurdle in preparing students for exportable careers. The university is now introducing advisory boards from industry leaders to help shape curriculum relevance. “If we don’t forge these partnerships, everyone ends up working in isolation,” Norris warned. Kenmare Resources, Mozambique Mine Planning Superintendent, Khumo Nnyenyiwa said Botswana has talent and should be open to opportunities. “Botswana has brilliant talent that fares well, if not better, than what we see globally. But there are very few of us, and too many of us are comfortable staying home.” She went on, “We have been mining for over 50 years; we have a lot to share with the continent and the world.” Bringing insight from North America, Freeport-McMoRan, United States, Senior Mining Engineer Dr. Kgosietsile Kolobe, said Botswana must urgently align with global shifts toward digital mining, AI and automation. “The future mining professional is not just an engineer or geologist, they are a communicator, a strategist, and a sustainability advocate,” said Dr. Kolobe. “We need cross-disciplinary talent who can bridge technical, data, and even social sciences.” He also spoke of flexible work models and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).“Covid 19 showed us that remote working is possible, Botswana should integrate these models and export flexible, skilled talent to meet industry demand.”