African Mining Week 2026: Gateway to Investment Opportunities in Mining
Get ready for African Mining Week, where high-level discussions and project showcases will connect global investors with Africa’s mining sector opportunities.
Growing Demand for Critical Minerals
As we approach 2040, the demand for essential minerals is poised to quadruple, positioning Africa at the forefront of global supply chains. The continent, rich in resources like platinum, chrome, and manganese, plays a crucial role in the energy transition and advanced manufacturing sectors. In addition to these critical minerals, Africa continues to lead in diamond and gold production, solidifying its importance in the global jewelry market and national wealth preservation.
African Mining Week Conference: Key Insights
The 2026 African Mining Week Conference (AMW) is set to take place from October 14–16 in Cape Town, organized by Energy Capital & Power. Leading up to this event, discussions with African mining ministers and industry stakeholders have illuminated key priorities to drive the continent’s mining agenda—primarily capital mobilization, strengthening domestic value chains, and fostering cross-border collaboration.
Spotlight on National Mining Initiatives
The Democratic Republic of Congo: A Hub for Investment
With an estimated $24 trillion in untapped resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is inviting substantial investment into its largely unexplored mineral wealth, especially its 20 billion tons of iron ore reserves. To enhance domestic production, the DRC is establishing special economic zones aimed at bolstering steel production and furthering industrialization.
“The DRC is looking for long-term partners who will invest not only in production but also in exploration and infrastructure,” emphasized Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines.
Uganda: Capitalizing on Critical Minerals
Uganda is seeking strategic partnerships to harness its graphite and rare earth resources. Commissioner of Mines, Agnes Alaba, highlighted the importance of local beneficiation, transitioning from raw mineral exports to higher-value processed products, thus creating jobs and boosting industrial growth.
Liberia: Pioneering Geomapping and Mining Expansion
Liberia aims to become an industrial mining hub by inviting investment and enhancing its geological mapping efforts. The country plans to ramp up iron ore production to over 30 million metric tons by 2026 while advancing downstream processes to diversify into critical minerals.
“We seek geomapping expertise to unlock our mineral potential,” stated Matenokay Tingban from Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy.
South Sudan: Mining for Economic Diversification
In South Sudan, mineral exploration is gaining momentum through national geomapping programs to identify feasible deposits. Minister of Mining, Losuba Ludoru Wongo, emphasized the need to diversify the economy away from petroleum and utilize growing global mineral demand as a cornerstone of economic development.
Egypt: Strengthening Mining Partnerships
Egypt is focused on regional cooperation to advance its potash, gold, and phosphate sectors. Chairman Yasser Ramadan noted the importance of enhancing regulatory frameworks and attracting international mining companies to foster sector growth.
Central African Republic: Reforming for Investment
The Central African Republic is revamping its Mining Code to attract investment and industrialize its sector. Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou pointed out that the nation’s cobalt, lithium, and rare earth deposits offer immense potential for attracting critical minerals investment.
Kenya: Collaboration for Mining Sector Growth
Kenya is actively building regional collaborations to enhance its mining value chain and local beneficiation. Minister Hassan Ali Joho emphasized skills development and knowledge transfer as essential to fostering sustainable sector growth.
Aligning with Africa’s Mining Future
The AMW 2026 will act as a pivotal platform, aligning national priorities with global investment opportunities and creating valuable connections between international investors and African mining projects. This conference will facilitate the partnerships needed to support industrialization, beneficiation, and sustainable sector development.
