In a high-level media briefing held on September 5, 2025, industry leaders and sector stakeholders delivered a resounding call for collective action as they prepare for the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026, scheduled for February 9–12 at Cape Town’s CTICC.
The gathering is expected to be the largest edition yet, with the exhibition for the first time spanning both CTICC halls 1 and 2 and featuring a dedicated technology program spotlighting startups and specialists.
Collective action emerged as the defining imperative of the briefing. Laura Nicholson, Product Director of Mining Indaba, stressed that “the African mining sector cannot afford to operate in silos,” urging a united and forward-looking industry to embrace innovation, secure investment, and build a resilient, inclusive future.
Echoing this sentiment, Kwasi Ampofo—Mining Indaba advisory board member and Head of Mining & Metals at BloombergNEF—emphasized the need to forge “even uncomfortable partnerships” among diverse stakeholders.
He outlined five strategic areas where industry strength can be amplified: infrastructure development, unified buyer coalitions, skills development, stronger governance, and geopolitical alignment.
Infrastructure is undeniably central. Ampofo noted that critical systems—airports, roads, rail, ports, and energy—continue to weigh heavily on mining operations, at times accounting for as much as 40% of production costs.
He further highlighted emerging market dynamics, where the anticipated next supercycle would reflect a buyers’ rather than a sellers’ market. This transition, Ampofo suggested, necessitates that buyers coordinate collectively to shape a shared future.
On skills and governance, Ampofo referenced the continent’s wealth of mining expertise. Through global networking and training initiatives—including AI applications—Mining Indaba aims to bolster African talent and elevate governance.
He cited the “Trump factor,” underlining how shifting geopolitics have elevated minerals to the level of national security, and positioned Mining Indaba as a platform for African countries to speak with unified authority.
Nicholson also confirmed new event innovations aimed at deepening engagement. Sustainability will no longer be siloed in limited sessions but woven throughout all programming.
The Young Professionals Programme—renamed and delivered in partnership with the Minerals Council SA—will involve PhD students alongside other emerging leaders throughout the week.
Additionally, the long-standing Mining Indaba Ministerial Symposium will return, enabling heads of state and industry leaders to collaboratively map the continent’s minerals strategy.
At its core, the message is clear: Africa is shifting from passive resource supplier to indispensable partner in driving global industrialisation, energy transition, and security.
As geopolitical tension and resource nationalism reshape supply chains, Mining Indaba 2026 offers a unique convening power—uniting governments, investors, miners, downstream buyers, communities, and innovators—to chart a stronger, bolder, future for African mining.
“With every stakeholder in one room,” concluded Nicholson, “we can shape the future of mining together. And the future starts now.”
