By Ebi Kesiena
Lobatse Clay Works, a key brick manufacturing plant in Botswana, has resumed operations after securing a $10 million investment from the African Development Bank (AfDB), breathing new life into the country’s industrial sector.
The reopening of the brick manufacturing plant is expected to create jobs and enhance Botswana’s manufacturing capacity, reinforcing efforts to diversify the economy beyond diamond mining.
The investment, made in partnership with the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), has modernised the factory with advanced energy-efficient technology.
A new hybrid fuel system has lowered production costs, while upgraded kiln technology has increased output and improved product quality.
Lobatse Clay Works Acting Chief Executive, Anthony Moepeng, said the financing has transformed not only the company but an entire community.
“The buildings that shaped modern Botswana will rise again from our clay,” Moepeng said on Sunday.
The facility, once closed due to ageing equipment and rising costs, is now producing three million bricks per month, meeting domestic demand and expanding exports to South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Already, 148 jobs have been created, with hundreds more expected in associated industries such as transportation and services.
AfDB Deputy Director General for Southern Africa, Moono Mupotola, highlighted the project’s broader impact, noting its alignment with the bank’s High 5 development priority of improving livelihoods across Africa.
“Lobatse is a small town, but almost one hundred per cent of the factory workers are from the town. This project delivers on our High 5 development priority of improving the quality of life for Africans.”
Beyond job creation, the reopening supports Botswana’s industrial diversification strategy, reducing reliance on diamond revenues and strengthening the nation’s manufacturing base.
Meanwhile, Acting BDC Managing Director, Benedicta Abosi, highlighted the project’s role in regional expansion, with plans to move into tile production as the company continues its growth.
