Getting to Know us
Why is the Botswana Chamber of Mines hosting a manufacturing summit?
How it all Started..
In July 2020, the BCM started the implementation of the Import Substitution Projects in partnership with Debswana Diamond Company. This project aims to contribute to reducing the national import bill by growing and capacitating the country’s manufacturing sector. The project utilizes mining sector procurement spend and other readily available consumers of such products to provide the initial market for the identified local manufacturers. It also appeals to other key stakeholders and industries to cooperate and collaborate in market opportunity creation and to stimulate local manufacturing of commodities currently imported in Botswana.
Local Manufacturing Summit (LMS) is one of the events through which Botswana Chamber of Mines aims to facilitate the acceleration of growth and sustainability of the local manufacturing sector by fostering collaboration, innovation, and market opportunity creation aimed at capacity building of local manufacturers. Experience elsewhere has shown that manufacturing earnings and exports stimulate economic prosperity causing nations and companies to increase their focus on developing advanced Manufacturing capabilities by investing in high-tech infrastructure and education (skill development)
Botswana Chamber of Mines’s motivation for the local manufacturing summit was part of the implementation of the Import Substitution Project focusing on the local manufacturing of imported material goods and services. In 2023, the Botswana Chamber of Mines, along with key corporate partners and sponsors hosted the inaugural Local Manufacturing Summit 2023 as a way to bring the manufacturing and supply chain community in Botswana together. The purpose of the Summit was to create awareness with regard to the opportunities and challenges arising from the various value chains within Botswana, SADC Common Market Protocols, and the emerging Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) for the local manufacturing sector. The event served as a platform for the exchange and sharing of ideas, making action-based commitments on how to stimulate the growth of local manufacturing to diversify the economy, create employment and drive the development of export markets for locally produced material goods and professional services
Our Mission
BCM aims to facilitate the acceleration of the growth and sustainability of the local manufacturing sector by fostering collaboration, innovation, and market opportunities. This hybrid summit will convene industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to explore strategies, showcase innovations, and address challenges within the manufacturing ecosystem.
The Vision
To be a respected, effective and unified voice for the mining industry that educates and shares knowledge with its stakeholders.
And Our Values
Unity, good governance, meritocracy, good corporate citizenship, and safety, prioritizing a shared purpose, ethical practices, excellence, community benefit, and zero harm to people and the environment.
Objectives
of the
Local Manufacturing Summit
Capture Top-Of-Mind Insights From Industry Professionals
The aim is to get a deeper understanding
of the most significant opportunities
and challenges in manufacturing
today and to better forecast future
trends.
Facilitate Key Stakeholder Connections & Networking
Several key stakeholders and key
players are driving innovation in
manufacturing and supply chain
excellence. It is important to showcase
their impact while addressing priority
manufacturing challenges and
opportunities with enterprise-ready
start-up initiatives.
Actionable Outcomes
Several key stakeholders and key
players are driving innovation in
manufacturing and supply chain
excellence. It is important to showcase
their impact while addressing priority
manufacturing challenges and
opportunities with enterprise-ready
start-up initiatives.
Stimulate The Spirit Of Local Manufacturing Capacity Building
An event like this will activate a
flywheel of enterprise development,
start-up solution adoption, and anticipated
risks or trends to inform where
we should look next for innovation. But
that flywheel requires authority, trust,
partnerships, and relationship building.
This summit will serve as a foundational
block of the innovation flywheel as
we aspire to build a vibrant export-oriented
local manufacturing sector.
Exhibitions Of Locally Manufactured Goods And Services
This summit should showcase locally
manufactured goods and services.
Meet our summit team
Our team of industry experts is committed to making this summit a success.
Tony Fred
Chief Executive Officer
Founder and chief strategist, Alex is the visionary behind the summit, actively engaging with participants to enhance their experience and foster growth.
Emily Johnson
Event Coordinator
Jane is passionate about fostering local manufacturing. With her extensive experience in event management, she has been instrumental in organizing successful summits that connect manufacturers and innovators.
Michael Lee
Director of Operations
Maria is a passionate advocate for local manufacturing, inspiring hundreds of entrepreneurs and fostering a community of innovators.
Iris Joe
Event Coordinator
Mark, with his background in manufacturing, brings valuable insights to our events. He is dedicated to enhancing the local manufacturing landscape and drives initiatives that promote growth and innovation.