Africa’s growing confidence and strategic ambition were on full display at Mining Indaba 2026, as global investors, governments and industry leaders gathered in Cape Town to shape the continent’s mineral future.
The energy in Cape Town was unmistakable from the very first morning. “We see great interest in Africa; the conference is bigger, better and well attended,” observed Keith Saffy, Chief Executive Officer of Ntsimbintle Marketing and Trading, capturing the spirit of a Mining Indaba that felt larger in ambition, broader in participation and deeper in global relevance than ever before. What unfolded over the week was not merely a gathering of the mining world, but a vivid demonstration of Africa’s growing confidence as it positions itself at the heart of the global energy transition. Delegates from across continents converged with a shared sense of purpose, signalling that Africa’s mineral future is no longer a distant promise but an active, accelerating reality.
From the moment the doors opened, the Cape Town International Convention Centre pulsed with movement and conversation. Mining Indaba, now in its 32nd year, has evolved into the world’s largest mining investment event, and this edition reaffirmed its stature with record attendance from governments, investors, mining majors, junior explorers, development partners and civil society. Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals—lithium, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements—have become central to global supply chains, and the world’s attention has shifted firmly toward the continent. Delegations from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas arrived with a clear intent to understand Africa’s investment landscape, forge partnerships and secure long-term access to the minerals that will power the clean-energy future.
Image by Mining Indaba
African governments used the platform to present new reforms, improved regulatory frameworks and ambitious national strategies aimed at attracting responsible investment while ensuring local value creation. Countries such as Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi showcased opportunities across exploration, processing and infrastructure, each positioning itself as a stable and forward-looking destination for mining capital. Their presentations reflected a shared determination to move beyond the traditional role of raw material supplier and toward becoming competitive hubs for processing, manufacturing and innovation.
High-level political leadership added weight to the proceedings. Heads of state, ministers of mining and finance, and senior officials from global institutions underscored the strategic importance of mining to Africa’s development agenda. Their message was consistent: Africa is ready to shape its own mineral destiny, strengthen local supply chains and build partnerships grounded in transparency and mutual benefit. This shift was echoed in discussions on energy security, infrastructure expansion and the need for predictable regulatory environments that can unlock long-term investment.
Sustainability and community development ran as strong threads through every conversation. Mining Indaba has increasingly positioned itself as a platform where ESG commitments are not just discussed but expected. Panels on climate-smart mining, water management, land rehabilitation, Indigenous rights and gender inclusion drew significant engagement, reflecting a broader shift toward responsible and inclusive mining practices. The Business Matchmaking Programme and the Junior Mining Showcase added dynamism to the event, enabling emerging companies to connect with investors and technical partners, while country pavilions buzzed with activity as delegations promoted new projects and investment-ready opportunities.
