Ahead of the African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, African mining ministers have outlined key priorities to harness the continent’s vast mineral wealth, with a focus on attracting investment, strengthening local value chains, and promoting industrialization. The conference, scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town, will link policymakers with global investors seeking opportunities across Africa’s mining sector.
Africa is home to some of the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals, manganese, chrome, gold, and diamonds, resources critical to energy transitions, advanced manufacturing, and global supply chains. With demand for critical minerals projected to quadruple by 2040 and commodity prices hitting record highs in 2026, AMW 2026 is emerging as a pivotal platform to align national priorities with international investment flows.
DRC Seeks Long-Term Partnerships
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is looking to unlock investment in its estimated $24 trillion untapped mineral reserves, with 90% of resources still unexplored. Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba emphasized the need for partners willing to invest beyond extraction, including in infrastructure, exploration, and workforce development. Special economic zones are also being developed to support domestic steel production and downstream industrialization.
Uganda Focuses on Beneficiation
Uganda is prioritizing investment in graphite and rare earth resources, alongside local beneficiation to move away from exporting raw minerals. Agnes Alaba, Commissioner of Mines, noted that developing higher-value processed products will support industrial growth, create jobs, and increase export revenue.
Liberia and South Sudan Target Exploration and Industrial Expansion
Liberia is advancing nationwide geological mapping to unlock its mineral potential and attract investment in iron ore and critical minerals. Minister Matenokay Tingban highlighted plans to increase iron ore output to over 30 million metric tons by 2026 while supporting downstream processing.
South Sudan is accelerating mineral exploration to diversify its economy beyond petroleum. Minister Losuba Ludoru Wongo described mining as a key pillar for economic growth, leveraging global demand to develop the sector sustainably.
Egypt, CAR, and Kenya Strengthen Regional Cooperation
Egypt is emphasizing regional partnerships, regulatory reforms, and local value addition in potash, gold, and phosphate sectors. The Central African Republic is reforming its Mining Code to attract investment in cobalt, lithium, coltan, rare earths, and copper. Kenya is focusing on regional collaboration, technical capacity building, and beneficiation to strengthen its mining value chain.
AMW 2026 will provide a platform for aligning these national strategies with global investment opportunities, supporting industrialization, sustainable growth, and value addition across Africa’s mining sector. The conference runs alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026, from October 12–16, in Cape Town.
