By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
GABORONE, BOTSWANA — The Government of the Republic of Botswana and Zimbabwe’s Geo Pomona Waste Management have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore sustainable waste management project opportunities in Botswana.
The signing ceremony at the Office of the President in Gaborone was witnessed by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, who welcomed the agreement and called for swift action to translate its commitments into practical outcomes.
The MoU was signed by Ms Tshepo C. Kebakile, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Projects), for the Government of Botswana, and Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, CEO, Executive Chairman of Geo Pomona, and Special Advisor on Waste Management to Zimbabwean President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa. Botswana’s Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable Ketlhalefile F.C. Motshegwa, along with senior officials, also attended.
President Boko recalled his previous visit to Geo Pomona’s Harare facility—where a former dumpsite was transformed into an integrated waste management plant—and commended the company’s technical expertise. He noted that the partnership follows engagements dating back to 2024 and expressed optimism that Botswana will benefit from Geo Pomona’s operational experience.
Dr Nguwaya described the agreement as a defining moment in strengthening bilateral cooperation through African expertise.
“Today we do more than sign an agreement; we are committing to turning a shared regional challenge into a shared opportunity,” Dr Nguwaya said. “By combining the leadership of the Government of Botswana with Geo Pomona’s operational experience, we can strengthen local authorities, develop integrated waste systems, transfer practical expertise and build lasting institutional capacity.”
The MoU establishes a framework for technical cooperation, capacity building, preliminary feasibility assessments, and knowledge exchange between Geo Pomona and Botswana’s Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. The parties will evaluate waste management technologies and infrastructure models inspired by Geo Pomona’s Harare operations to determine their applicability to Botswana.
A Joint Steering Committee will oversee coordination, work plans, and progress monitoring. A Technical Reference Group may also be formed to provide specialized advice on landfill rehabilitation, resource recovery, and environmental safeguards.
