Compiled by Sharyn Macnamara

Investing in African Mining Indaba has shared its vision for the event that rocks the world of African mining at the onset of each year. MI26 is building momentum, calling all industry stakeholders – governments, investors, miners, buyers, communities and innovators – to a seat at the table. The event promises to question the status quo, invite positive input from all those with an interest in, and who are affected by, or that can influence the mining industry in Africa. The objective is to “unlock” potential across the entire mining value chain – from exploration to the purchasing of mined resources – through strategic partnership for African progress. Pooling ideas, resources and expertise to create shared value that wouldn’t be possible in the often-siloed “business as usual”, will be the name of the game in 2026. Connecting, co-operating and collaborating, repairing and building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships – even if slightly “uncomfortable” – will be the order of the day to inspire stakeholders and enable a stage to speak with a united voice to a global audience. The message is clear in the theme that was launched early this year: “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnership”.

Investing in African Mining Indaba product director Laura Nicholson and Kwasi Ampofo, Mining Indaba advisory board member and head of metals and mining at BloombergNEF, spell out the MI26 vision.

Investing in African Mining Indaba product director Laura Nicholson and Kwasi Ampofo, Mining Indaba advisory board member and head of metals and mining at BloombergNEF, spell out the MI26 vision. ©African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror

 

This collaborative approach is key to accelerate African economic growth and unlock downstream industrialisation to enable the continent to move beyond resource extraction and supply and on to build sustainable industrial bases in emerging sectors like green energy and mineral beneficiation. Good governance, policy certainty, capital investment and access to financing and strengthened institutional co-ordination across government and private sectors is necessary to make this ideal a reality, notes MI26.

 

Why “stronger together” matters now

Kwasi Ampofo, Mining Indaba advisory board member and head of metals and mining at BloombergNEF said Africa’s role is changing as the global demand for critical minerals intensifies – mineral security now equates to national security. Continental co-operation is now more urgent than ever before in order to leverage this. He noted that this could be an opportunity – if African countries spoke with one voice.

He mentioned too that approximately 60% of the African population is under 25 years of age – this is  both a risk and an opportunity, and in the midst of geopolitical tensions, the “Trump factor” and a need to manage the downside of a growing trend in resource nationalism, dialogue and partnerships with governments, the private sector, civil society, industry bodies, academia and traditional leaders are paramount to co-create a sustainable African mining future.

 

Building blocks for strength1

Ampofo highlighted five building blocks key for sector strength and sustainability within the MI26 vision.

  • Capital unlocking: He said Mining Indaba is about unlocking capital for attendees through investment, and the idea is to track the number of deals signed as a direct result of the event this year.
  • Infrastructure development: Energy infrastructure and effective airports, roads, rail and ports remain critical in attracting mining investment (energy accounts for up to 40% of mining costs).
  • Buyer engagement: Ampofo noted that while the China boom was a sellers’ market, the next supercycle would be a buyers’ market, and buyers should come together to forge a common future.
  • Skills elevation: Some of the world’s best mining expertise is in Africa, and the Mining Indaba works to grow African skills through global networking and training on applications such as AI.
  • Good governance: Citing the recent Fraser Report, Ampofo said Africa suffered from a lack of investor confidence due to perceived governance failings. Mining Indaba would look to address this by sharing tools to enforce better governance.

Investing in African Mining Indaba product director Laura Nicholson emphasised, “The African mining sector cannot afford to operate in silos. The challenges and opportunities ahead demand collective action…Only a united, forward-looking industry can embrace innovation, secure investment and build a resilient, inclusive future.”

 

MI26 enticements2   

Nicholson outlined several new developments at Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026.

  • Expanded Mining CEO participation featuring leaders of organisations like Harmony, Exxaro, Valterra and Thungela;
  • Renewed focus on minerals critical “for Africa”, including coal and iron-ore, through a Critical Minerals Committee and a strategic partnership with DMPR;
  • Enhanced community engagement to give communities from across Africa the chance to work with other stakeholders on solutions to challenges;
  • A dedicated Downstream Buyers programme engaging automotive, chemical, medical, aerospace and renewable energy sectors;
  • A technology showcase with global tech leaders like Microsoft, SAP, Huawei and Mineral X to explore how Africa can best adopt technology;
  • An expanded, split exhibition across both CTICC 1 and 2, due to growth in demand, showcasing technology startups and specialists;
  • An integrated, rather than separate, sustainability agenda, amalgamated within all programmes
  • The renamed Young Professionals Programme in alliance with the Minerals Council SA will ensure young mining role players are involved across the entire week of the official event, with PhD students participating in key discussions;
  • Continued growth in the number of women in mining speakers – 2025 boasted 40% versus 25% the year before;
  • Continued support for Junior Mining;
  • Mining Indaba Ministerial symposium will again bring heads of state and government ministers together with industry leaders to partner on mapping a mining minerals strategy for the continent.

 

To watch more of what Nicholson had to say visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7369615512743329793

 

References:

1 and 2: Investing in African Mining Indaba press release: “Mining Indaba 2026 set to redefine Africa’s mining future”