With global demand for critical minerals on track to quadruple by 2040 and gold hitting record prices this year, Africa is no longer waiting in the wings of the world’s resource economy it is center stage. The continent holds the planet’s largest reserves of platinum group metals, chrome and manganese, minerals increasingly vital to clean energy transition and advanced manufacturing, while continuing to dominate global diamond and gold production.
Against this backdrop, the organizing team behind African Mining Week (AMW) scheduled for October 14–16, 2026 in Cape Town reached out to mining ministers and senior industry officials from across Africa to understand the national priorities shaping the continent’s mining future. The conversations revealed a clear and consistent message: African nations are done simply exporting raw materials. They want investment partners, not just buyers.
The DRC: A $24 Trillion Opportunity Waiting to Be Unlocked
The Democratic Republic of Congo may hold the most staggering untapped mineral wealth on earth, with an estimated $24 trillion in resources and roughly 90% of its mineral potential still unexplored. The government is pushing hard to develop its estimated 20 billion tons of iron ore reserves and establish special economic zones that will anchor domestic steel production and downstream industrialization.
“The DRC is looking for long-term partners who will go beyond production to invest in exploration, infrastructure and workforce development,” said Louis Watum Kabamba, the country’s Minister of Mines.
Uganda: From Raw Exporter to Value-Added Producer
Uganda is targeting strategic partnerships to develop its graphite and rare earth deposits, with a sharp focus on local beneficiation. Agnes Alaba, Commissioner of Mines at Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said the country’s ambition is to move away from shipping unprocessed minerals abroad and instead build domestic capacity to produce higher-value mineral products — generating jobs, growing industry and boosting export revenues in the process.
Liberia: Mapping the Unknown
Liberia is openly inviting geomapping companies to help the country understand exactly what lies beneath its soil. “Despite our vast resources, we have not fully explored or mapped what we truly possess,” said Matenokay Tingban of Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy. “With comprehensive geoscientific data, we will be in a stronger position to negotiate and attract strategic investments.” The country is simultaneously targeting a ramp-up of iron ore output to over 30 million metric tons and actively courting investment in downstream processing and critical minerals diversification.
South Sudan: Building a Post-Oil Future
South Sudan is betting on mining to reduce its overwhelming dependence on petroleum revenues. Minister of Mining Losuba Ludoru Wongo said nationwide geological surveys and accelerated exploration programs are underway to identify commercially viable deposits and establish mining as a genuine pillar of economic growth. Wongo also acknowledged the long-standing role of AMW organizer Energy Capital & Power in connecting the country with international markets.
Egypt: Potash, Gold and Regional Cooperation
Egypt is zeroing in on its potash, gold and phosphate sectors while working to strengthen regulatory frameworks and sharpen investment incentives. Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Egyptian Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority, said regional partnerships and local value addition are at the heart of the country’s strategy to draw in major international mining companies.
Central African Republic: 570 Mineral Sites and a Mining Code Overhaul
The Central African Republic is largely unknown to the global mining investment community — a reality its government is determined to change. With more than 570 recognized mineral occurrences and untapped deposits of cobalt, lithium, coltan, rare earths and copper, the country is overhauling its Mining Code to create a more attractive environment for serious investors. “CAR is a mining country that, unfortunately, is not well known,” acknowledged Minister of Mines and Geology Rufin Benam-Beltoungou, adding that the dominance of artisanal operations has long held back the sector’s true potential.
Kenya: Skills, Partnerships and Sustainable Growth
Kenya’s mining strategy is built around regional collaboration, technical capacity building and knowledge transfer. Hassan Ali Joho, Minister of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, emphasized sustainable growth and local beneficiation as central to how Kenya intends to develop its extractive sector over the long term.
Where the Priorities Meet the Capital
AMW 2026 will serve as the platform where these national agendas meet global investment appetite. Held alongside African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026 from October 12–16 in Cape Town and organized by Energy Capital & Power, the conference will feature high-level panel discussions, project showcases and direct deal-making opportunities between African governments and international investors.
For sponsorship, exhibition and delegate inquiries, contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
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