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Botswana-based Kemcore is proving that southern African entrepreneurs can capitalise on regional mining opportunities while creating local value. Founded by Calisto Radithipa, the company supplies critical chemicals to copper and cobalt operations in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), demonstrating how proximity, agility and innovation can unlock growth in Africa’s resource sector.
Radithipa’s journey began in Marobela village, eastern Botswana. After studying finance in South Africa and gaining early work experience in the UK and China, he spotted a gap in mining chemicals supply for African miners. In 2008, he became an exclusive sourcing agent for a Zimbabwean supplier, gaining insight into the industry and building his first network of mining clients.
Recognising the opportunity to scale, he founded Kemcore. The company leveraged a digital-first strategy, creating an online platform detailing product specifications, pricing and technical data. This approach attracted major clients in Zambia and the DRC including global miners operating copper and cobalt projects. Speed and responsiveness became Kemcore’s competitive edge, helping the company grow from small orders to contracts worth millions of dollars.
By 2018, Kemcore secured a $10 million contract supplying sodium metabisulphite for cobalt refining. The company expanded with offices in Johannesburg and Ndola, Zambia and invested in branded trucks to ensure reliable cross-border deliveries. Today, Kemcore works with leading mining clients and its annual revenue reached $25 million by 2019.
Seeing the benefits of localised production, Radithipa ventured into manufacturing. Kemcore’s gypsum plant in Zambia now produces 100 tonnes daily, supplying cement producers such as Dangote and Chilanga Cement. The company is also planning a $103 million Integrated Battery Mineral Chemicals Complex in Palapye, Botswana, aimed at producing chemicals for copper, cobalt and gold extraction. Radithipa argues local production reduces dependence on China, lowers emissions and cuts miners’ import costs by up to 35%.
Radithipa’s success underscores a broader regional opportunity that southern African entrepreneurs can fill supply chain gaps, enhance industrial capacity and support the continent’s growing mining sector. With copper and cobalt demand rising for batteries and green technologies, localised production and regional partnerships are emerging as key drivers of competitiveness and resilience in Africa’s resource industries.
