Debswana Urges Shift from Supply to Manufacturing in CEEP

Debswana Urges Shift from Supply to Manufacturing in CEEP. Debswana Managing Director Andrew Motsomi has called for the next phase of the Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP) to focus on transforming local suppliers into manufacturers, marking a new direction for Botswana’s mining industry.

Speaking at the Future of Mining Summit, Motsomi acknowledged the success of CEEP in creating value for citizen‑owned businesses through procurement opportunities. However, he emphasized that the programme must now evolve to enable local companies to manufacture mining machinery and equipment for Debswana.

“CEEP is one of our successes at Debswana that we leveraged on to drive value for local businesses. Going forward, this programme needs to be matured so that our suppliers can move from procurement and supply and focus on manufacturing of machinery that we can buy from them. Growth is very important to Debswana and for our suppliers equally,” Motsomi said.

The proposed shift reflects Debswana’s commitment to strengthening Botswana’s industrial base by encouraging citizen‑owned enterprises to move beyond supply contracts and into value‑added production. By fostering manufacturing capabilities, the programme aims to reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and enhance local expertise in mining technologies.

Motsomi noted that aligning CEEP with Debswana’s broader growth strategy would ensure long‑term competitiveness and sustainability for both the company and its suppliers. The initiative underscores the importance of local manufacturing as a driver of economic diversification and industrial development.

Industry observers view the call as a significant step toward deepening citizen participation in Botswana’s mining sector. By empowering suppliers to become manufacturers, Debswana hopes to unlock new opportunities for innovation, resilience, and shared value creation across the economy.