Local talent powers Botswana's critical minerals project
MORGAN LEKSTROM | Monday October 13, 2025 06:00
International resource companies operating in foreign jurisdictions often struggle to fill senior technical and management positions from the in-country talent pool. This is not the case in Botswana.
According to data published by UNESCO, the literacy rate in Botswana is 88%, compared to 86% in the US and 35% in Burkina Faso.
Education is compulsory for all children in Botswana. Ninety-seven percent of school-age children attend public or private schools, whilst three percent are home-schooled. Boys and girls have equal access to education. The school curriculum is aligned with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning.
Botswana has seven technical colleges and multiple universities, including the University of Botswana, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Botswana Accountancy College.
Botswana currently spends 6.9 percent of its GDP on education, compared to a global mean of 3.7 percent (in Canada, we spend 4.3 percent of our GDP on education). Many of Botswana’s top students achieve advanced degrees at universities in Australia, Canada, the US, and Europe. NexMetals is a beneficiary of Botswana’s strong focus on education and technical training, which ensures a pipeline of skilled talent to support the responsible growth of our projects.
NexMetals Mining Botswana president, Kneipe Setlhare, is a mining engineer with 14 years of experience in mining operations management, including senior roles with BCL Mines and Smelting, and Discovery Metals. He is a founding director of Giyani Metals and NEXM. His expertise encompasses early-stage exploration, preliminary economic assessments (PEA), feasibility studies, mine development, commissioning and asset acquisitions.
The Botswana General Manager, Tidimalo 'TT' Tito, holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Mining Engineering from the Camborne School of Mines in the UK and has completed the Management Development Programme at the University of Cape Town. With over 24 years of experience across base metals, diamonds and coal, Tito began his career with BCL Mine before moving into progressive leadership positions at Debswana Diamond Company and Morupule Coal Mine. His expertise includes mine development, operations management, organisational redesign and large-scale project commissioning.
Our Botswana Finance and Administration Manager, Karabo Monepe, holds a degree in accounting as well as an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. He has additional certifications in Advanced Taxation, Enterprise Risk Management, Transformational Leadership and Senior Management Development. Monepe’s experience includes planning and analysis, financial management and controls, financial reporting, auditing and banking.
NexMetals Botswana ESG Manager, Carol Pansiri, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Sociology, a Master of Development Studies (Sociology) from the University of Botswana. She is currently pursuing an MBA. Her expertise spans Social and Environmental Impact Assessments, stakeholder engagement, community relations, and social performance audits.
Beyond environmental efforts, NexMetals seeks to invest in the growth and empowerment of local talent in Selebi-Phikwe. The local workforce is not only critical to our operational success but also central to our broader social responsibility objectives. Through ongoing partnerships, we continue to connect local youths with mentors from the Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises community; an initiative that helps bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity.
Additionally, the company is making significant strides in supporting education by offering internships and industrial attachments to tertiary students. These opportunities provide practical experience, enhance skills development, and prepare young professionals to contribute meaningfully to the region’s socio-economic progress.
Pansiri noted, “We believe that sustainable development begins with empowered communities, and we remain committed to building a strong, capable, and resilient local talent pool”.
As part of our ongoing environmental commitments, NexMetals is committed to improving waste management in both residential and government areas. Recently, we donated a set of waste drums to promote cleaner, safer, and more sustainable communities.
Deputy Mayor Roller G Lesedi commended the initiative, stating that it 'will enhance waste separation, minimise environmental risks, and encourage a culture of accountability and hygiene at the community level'.
*Lekstrom is the CEO of NexMetals Mining, which is reviving and boosting the former BCL Ltd assets in the North-East
The Selebi Mine Complex sits just south of the town of Selebi-Phikwe (pop. ~52,000).