In a rapidly changing digital world, Molemisi Sechaba is leading Debswana’s charge to modernize mining through bold, technology-driven transformation.
As Head of Information Management, Sechaba is driving initiatives that go beyond automation, focusing on smart mining solutions that combine connectivity, data, AI, and predictive maintenance to improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making.
Through strategic partnerships and a strong emphasis on local empowerment, Debswana has implemented Botswana’s first private LTE network, enabling advanced technologies like automated drill rigs and real-time value chain visibility. Sechaba also highlights the company’s proactive approach to cybersecurity, operational readiness, and skill development, ensuring that people remain at the center of digital transformation.
“We use a value management framework to guide all tech deployments. We start by understanding the problem, defining the business need, and only then choosing the technology. We are constantly testing, learning, and engaging with global leaders to ensure we’re making the right moves,” Sechaba said.
Throughout the interview with BW TechZone, Sechaba emphasizes that Debswana’s technology journey is guided by purpose, not just hype, and is rooted in solving real business challenges, protecting jobs, and delivering long-term national value. His reflections offer powerful lessons on how visionary leadership and inclusive innovation can shape a sustainable and resilient future for the mining industry.
“At Debswana, my role as Head of Information Management revolves around using technology to solve real business challenges across the company. I keep up with global IT trends, stay close to my team’s work, and ensure that our infrastructure remains resilient and future-ready,” Sechaba said.
Sechaba said Debswana’s smart mining journey began in 2020 when the organisation realized that for data to drive the business, there was a need for a robust network platform. He said Debswana partnered with Huawei and Abaricom to roll out a private LTE network, a first in Botswana. Despite COVID-19 disruptions, their local partner, Abaricom completed the implementation, which proved Botswana’s capability in handling large-scale tech projects.
“This network has enabled automated drilling, predictive maintenance, and near real-time visibility across our value chain. It’s not just about automation. It is about timely, data-driven decisions and improving efficiency across the board, he said.
Alongside this, Sechaba said Debswana developed a cybersecurity strategy to protect the company’s expanding digital footprint. “We implemented phishing simulations, upskilled our people, and established a security operations center, aligning with global standards like ISO 27001. We also collaborate with BOCRA to monitor national infrastructure and reinforce our defences,” said Sechaba.
In addition, Sechaba said that Debswana is exploring technologies like AI and IoT, but only where they bring real business value. He gave an example of their sensor-based predictive maintenance system, which helps the company to cut downtime and costs.
Sechaba further emphasized that partnerships are vital to their strategy, including international partners like Microsoft and SAP and local players like BTC, Dimension Data, and Bright Labs. “We also invest in education and youth development, working with institutions like BAC to shape future curricula, hosting hackathons, and running robotics outreach for primary schools. We’re committed to closing the digital divide.”
As technology evolves, Sechaba says they are mindful of its impact on employment. While some jobs will change or disappear, he says, new ones are emerging. “For example, a drill operator may now become a drill controller managing several rigs remotely. We train and upskill our people, so they grow with the technology.”
“Looking ahead, I believe mining will become more autonomous, and energy-efficient practices like solar work storage will shape operations. We are also exploring data monetization and new business models driven by data science and engineering.”
In closing, Sechaba said technology is only powerful when it uplifts people. He is hopeful to see AI models written in Botswana, blockchain solutions that solve local problems, and a tech ecosystem that genuinely improves lives.