Botswana and Côte d’Ivoire Sign First African Mining Cooperation Agreement

Botswana and Côte d’Ivoire Sign First African Mining Cooperation Agreement. Botswana has signed its first mining cooperation agreement with another African country after concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Côte d’Ivoire, marking a new chapter in collaboration on mining, energy and industrial development.

The agreement was announced by Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, who described the partnership as an important step towards strengthening African-led economic cooperation.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across mining, petroleum and energy. Areas of cooperation include geological research, mineral exploration, petroleum development, renewable energy, skills development and institutional collaboration.

According to Kenewendo, the agreement represents a shift from traditional diplomatic engagement to practical economic cooperation aimed at supporting long-term growth and industrial development.

She said Africa should move beyond exporting raw materials and instead focus on developing integrated value chains that create jobs, retain greater value on the continent and support industrialisation.

Kenewendo also highlighted Botswana’s experience in the mining sector, saying the country’s expertise, governance systems and institutional capacity position it to share knowledge and regulatory experience with other African nations.

She added that the success of the continent’s mining industry should be measured not only by mineral production but also by the industries created, employment opportunities generated and long-term economic benefits delivered.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, described the agreement as a historic milestone following months of negotiations and technical discussions between the two countries.