By Emmanuel Okogba, with Agency report

With demand for critical minerals projected to quadruple by 2040 and gold reaching record highs in 2026, Africa is increasingly at the center of global supply chain strategies and investment flows.

The continent hosts the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals, chrome and manganese — all vital to the energy transition and advanced manufacturing – while remaining the leading producer of diamonds and gold.

Ahead of the African Mining Week Conference (AMW), scheduled for October 14–16, 2026 in Cape Town, organizers Energy Capital & Power engaged African mining ministers and industry stakeholders to identify national priorities shaping the continent’s mining agenda. Discussions highlighted a shared focus on mobilizing capital, strengthening domestic mineral value chains and fostering cross-border collaboration as major economies including the U.S., China and Europe secure mineral supplies.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advancing efforts to unlock investment into its vast mineral base, estimated at $24 trillion in untapped resources. With 90% of its mineral potential unexplored, the country is prioritizing iron ore development alongside special economic zones to support steel production and industrialization.

Uganda is seeking strategic partnerships to develop graphite and rare earth resources, with emphasis on local beneficiation to transition from raw exports to processed mineral products, boosting jobs and industrial growth.

Liberia is positioning itself as an emerging mining hub, inviting geomapping companies to unlock its mineral potential. The country plans to raise iron ore output to more than 30 million metric tons by 2026 while diversifying into critical minerals.

South Sudan is accelerating exploration and geomapping programs to diversify its economy beyond petroleum. Officials say mining is being positioned as a new pillar of growth, supported by long-term collaboration with Energy Capital & Power.

Egypt is prioritizing regional cooperation to advance potash, gold and phosphate sectors, strengthening regulatory frameworks and investment incentives to attract international mining companies.

Central African Republic (CAR) is reforming its Mining Code to attract investment into untapped deposits of cobalt, lithium, coltan, rare earths and copper, aiming to industrialize its mining sector.

Kenya is leveraging regional collaboration to strengthen its mining value chain, enhance technical capacity and promote local beneficiation, with a focus on skills development and sustainable growth.

AMW 2026 will serve as a platform to align these national priorities with global investment opportunities, connecting international investors with African mining projects and facilitating partnerships that support beneficiation, industrialization and sustainable sector growth.