The Maun Technical College has been designated as the country’s mining centre of excellence, marking a significant milestone set to support Botswana’s evolving mining sector while contributing to the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
The center, to be hosted at the college’s west campus, will provide a national workforce development program generating high-value skills in underground and mechanised mining, processing, and associated technical fields. It is being established through a collaboration between MMG Khoemacau, the Ministry of Higher Education, and other mining partners.
The two major parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the centre this past Friday, laying the foundation for a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) expected by the end of August 2026.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wei Gao, Director of Finance at MMG Khoemacau, said the partnership represents a long-term investment in Botswana’s people and mining future. The centre will leverage existing educational infrastructure at the college while integrating international expertise through collaboration with the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute and other global technical partners. Initial seed funding will be provided by MMG Khoemacau, with further investment anticipated from industry partners and the Government.
“We can report that a draft agreement is being worked on with the Ministry of Higher Education and we commit to progressing the work to get such a centre up and running in early 2027,” Gao revealed.
He added that the partnership aligns strongly with Botswana’s national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda, which seeks to produce industry-ready graduates, strengthen practical skills development, improve employability, and support economic diversification and industrial growth.
“Through this collaboration, we are helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace application, ensuring that learners acquire the competencies required by modern industry.”
Gao added that the importance of this partnership becomes even clearer because the Khoemacau Expansion Project PFS B is targeting an increase in production from approximately 60,000 tonnes of copper per annum to approximately 130,000 tonnes of copper per annum. He indicated that such growth will require a larger, more skilled, and highly competent workforce. He further mentioned that as a highly mechanised underground mining operation, KCM relies on advanced technologies, specialized equipment, and highly skilled personnel.
“Like many mining operations around the Southern African region, we face increasing demand for technical expertise in areas such as underground mining, maintenance engineering, automation, heavy equipment operation, electrical systems, and digital mining technologies.”
According to him, addressing this skills gap requires more than great recruitment or retention strategies; it demands collaboration, innovation, and long-term investment in education and training.
For his part, Minister of Higher Education Prince Maele emphasized that the partnership reflects their shared commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce that will not only support Botswana’s mining industry but also contribute meaningfully to the broader growth and transformation of the country’s economy.
Maele said it is fitting that this milestone is taking place in Maun, as the Maun–Ghanzi region has become one of Botswana’s fastest-growing mining corridors, hosting significant copper deposits and increasingly positioning itself as a strategic mining hub. He added that the establishment of this centre aligns directly with the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, Vision 2036, and National Development Plan 12, all of which place human capital development at the centre of Botswana’s growth agenda.
“We do so with confidence that this initiative will unlock new opportunities—not only for the institution but also for Maun and the nation as a whole.”
Maele emphasized that the centre will stimulate investment in accommodation, conferencing, hospitality, retail, and other supporting industries, demonstrating that education is not merely a social investment but also a catalyst for economic development.
Meanwhile, the minister commended MMG Khoemacau for the practical support already extended to local institutions, including graduate employment opportunities, industrial attachments for students and lecturers, and the donation of modern mining equipment to strengthen practical training. He highlighted that to date, MMG has enrolled four (4) MTC Hospitality graduate Chefs as Chinese cuisine specialist trainees, positioning them strategically for international exposure.
“One of the greatest strengths of this collaboration will be the continuous interaction between industry professionals and our learners. Guest lectures, mentorship programmes, workplace demonstrations, internships, and specialised short courses will ensure that our graduates leave our institutions not only with qualifications but also with the practical skills, confidence, and experience required by industry. There is no better way to improve graduate employability than through strong partnerships between education and industry.”
