SIREXE 2026: Botswana will be the featured country

Cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and Botswana has reached a strategic milestone with the two countries expressing their desire to establish a lasting partnership in the mining sector. During a working visit to Gaborone, the Ivorian Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, was received on February 18 by Botswana's Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe. “This mission is driven by the vision of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, which is to make our extractive sector a lever for prosperity, following the example of Botswana, which is cited as a model around the world,” the Ivorian minister said at the outset, setting the tone for his host.

This high-level meeting confirmed a convergence of views on cooperation focused on extractive resource governance, skills transfer, and the construction of an integrated mining value chain, at a time when Abidjan is accelerating the transformation of its extractive potential.

At the heart of the discussions, Botswana's experience in natural resource management emerged as the main basis for rapprochement. Often presented as an African benchmark, the Botswana model is based on rigorous governance, balanced partnerships with investors, and a committed policy of local diamond development, which has become a sustainable driver of economic growth.

“I remain convinced that Africa has everything it needs to succeed (...) and sharing our experiences and successes can greatly contribute to this,” said Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, reaffirming Botswana's willingness to support the growth of Côte d'Ivoire's extractive sector. In the same vein, Botswana's Minister of Mines, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, told the press that the two countries had “agreed on the great need to strengthen our cooperation,” particularly in the areas of mining governance, resource traceability, and local skills development.

The discussions, described by both delegations as cordial, resulted in an operational roadmap. “My colleague and I are responsible for continuing the discussions in order to move this issue forward with a view to reaching an agreement as quickly as possible,” said Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, confirming the imminent opening of technical negotiations leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding. This should formalize a framework for institutional exchanges designed to support the professionalization of the Ivorian extractive industry, strengthen local content, and further anchor value creation within the country.

The strategic dimension of this rapprochement was also reflected in the official announcement made to the Botswana Vice President that Botswana would be the guest of honor at the next edition of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE), scheduled to take place in November in Abidjan. This is a strong political signal that illustrates Côte d'Ivoire's ambition to build on African success to develop an extractive model based on the highest standards.

This meeting at the Presidential Palace was preceded by a bilateral meeting between the Ivorian minister and his Botswanan counterpart for international cooperation, Dr. Phenyo Butale.