Botswana Partners with JICA on Regional Project to Tackle Heavy Metal Pollution and Boost Sustainable Mining. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has officially signed a technical cooperation agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the implementation of the ZAZINAMBO Project — a regional initiative aimed at promoting sustainable mineral development through strengthened environmental monitoring and human capacity development.
ZAZINAMBO, an acronym for Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana, brings together four mineral-rich Southern African nations in a joint effort to address heavy metal pollution and enhance sustainable mining practices. The project seeks to develop a robust regional network for metal pollution control and establish frameworks for joint research, technology exchange, and education.
Through this cooperation, the project will share vital technological expertise and scientific knowledge to help improve mineral exploration, extraction, processing, and post-mining activities. A key component of the initiative is its focus on pollution assessment methods and environmental countermeasures tailored to the challenges faced by developing countries.
Beyond technology transfer, ZAZINAMBO places strong emphasis on capacity building. Early career researchers, technical staff, students, and government officials from participating countries will benefit from collaborative training opportunities in both Africa and Japan. This educational exchange is expected to support long-term knowledge retention and innovation across the sector.
The partnership reflects a broader commitment to creating sustainable, environmentally conscious practices in mining and resource management, while also ensuring the transfer of knowledge to future generations.
