Expert points to changing times in primary resources sector

Ndaba Mpofu, chief investment officer of VPB, a local equity and venture capital firm, said the financing of the sectors is now firmly in the private equity spotlight in the region.
He was speaking at an investment seminar organised by the South African High Commission in Gaborone at Phakalane Golf Estate. The seminar attracted local investors, banks and institutional investors from South Africa such as ABSA Capital, Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Invest North West.

Mpofu said traditionally, the primary resources sector has not been attractive to private equity, but times are changing. Investment opportunities in mining or resources are now needed in exploration, junior mining, beneficiation, mining services and supplies, transport and logistics, and social amenities. Mpofu believes there is a future role of private equity in mining ventures in the country.