With its vast mineral reserves, Africa possesses the resources to power the next phase of development for the continent and the world.

Given robust debate around which minerals will be most important to fuel that development, there is renewed interest in Africa from across the world.

Unlocking this potential requires more than resource extraction, it demands a collective effort from governments, private-sector players, downstream buyers, communities and civil society.

With this in mind, the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba (MI26) theme, ‘Stronger together: Progress through partnerships’ highlights the transformative power of collaboration in addressing the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

MI26 comes at a crucial time for Africa, as it maps the role it will play in the global economy.

Mining Indaba executive advisory board chairperson Frans Baleni explains that this year’s theme aligns with the South African philosophy of ubuntu – a belief in a shared, essential humanism.

“Ubuntu holds that unity is strength, that when we work together, we craft a better future. This is fundamentally true. By collaborating, we can shape outcomes for the betterment of all stakeholders – and the environment.”

“Our strength lies in building partnerships that recognise the mutual value of investment,” says South African Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe.

“We understand that investors seek returns, and rightly so, but we are equally committed to ensuring that the benefits of growth and development are shared with workers, communities, and the country at large. Progress is only meaningful when it lifts all stakeholders,” he adds.

COMMUNITY-CENTRIC MINING

One of the most significant shifts in Africa’s mining landscape has been the recognition of the need to involve Indigenous and local communities.

Historically not prioritised, these groups today have a seat at the table, as stakeholders, beneficiaries and equal partners. This shift is encouraging mining companies to adopt more sustainable and community-centric approaches, the organisers of MI26 say.

Economic affairs officer at the UN Economic Commission for Africa Dr Marit Kitaw calls for a reimagining of the way the continent’s mineral bounty can be developed, so that it benefits a wider range of stakeholders.

“The theme ‘Stronger together: Progress through partnerships’ is a call to reimagine partnerships on Africa’s growth journey, to see minerals not as tools of convenience, but as instruments of collective empowerment,” she says.

“Africa’s transformation through minerals can only be achieved when everyone, including women, youth, marginalised communities, artisanal miners, governments, industry, civil society, academia and cooperating partners, sit at the table as equal partners. Stronger together, we rise!”

By fostering mutual respect, transparent dialogue and inclusive decision-making, mining operations can ensure that local communities benefit from resource development while preserving cultural heritage and environmental integrity.

From skills sharing and job creation to improving livelihoods and empowering indigenous voices, this new paradigm recognises that mining success must extend beyond production outputs to include shared prosperity and social equity, says MI26.

“The South African mining sector is positively impactful, but even more so in collaboration with government and other social partners.

“The sector is poised for growth and will enable the investment and development of key infrastructure that supports livelihoods and economic growth,” says Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane.

DEFINING CRITICAL MINERALS

A crucial global debate is under way around the idea of critical minerals – resources deemed strategically important for economic, technological or developmental reasons.

Precisely which minerals are critical varies according to national interests, the MI26 organisers state.

For Africa, its reserves of iron-ore and gold see it well placed to power infrastructure and technology development as well as financial markets.

According to the UN, the continent has 40% of the world’s gold and up to 90% of its chromium and platinum.

The continent also holds around 55% of global reserves of cobalt – a major input in batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones and laptops. The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for 70% of global production, the organisers note.

However, the organisers say that, to maximise the benefits of these resources, Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials to developing local beneficiation and refining capabilities.

“We can no longer operate as before,” says Mining Indaba executive advisory board member Tony Carroll.

“Neither bulk exports of unrefined ore nor export bans are durable solutions. The industry has to pivot toward practices that provide more value and technology transfer in African nations. This transition will be aided by the introduction of more nimble and economically viable refining technologies and the provision of supportive infrastructure via public-private partnerships”.

This shift will require governments, investors and mining companies to work together to develop industrial hubs, reliable transport networks, and energy systems that support local processing and manufacturing.

By prioritising infrastructure and industrialisation, Africa can position itself as a leader in the global energy transition while ensuring that its mineral wealth benefits its people, the MI26 organisers comment.

“‘Stronger together: Progress through partnerships’ means uniting governments, private sector, communities, and civil society to transform mining, achieving a shared triumph for Africa's future,” says BloombergNEF Mining and Metals head Kwasi Ampofo.

TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Innovation is another cornerstone of the 2026 Mining Indaba. From AI-driven exploration to digital-twin technology, the mining sector is embracing disruptive technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

“Investing in African Mining Indaba is a platform where transformative ideas and collaborations come to life,” she says. “Our goal is to drive both investment and the kind of innovative technology partnerships that create shared prosperity,” says Mining Indaba content and communities director Laura Nicholson.

Disruptive technologies also offer an opportunity to engage Africa’s youth.

By investing in skills training and education programmes around advanced mining technologies, the industry can create pathways for young people to lead the sector’s transformation, building a resilient, future-ready workforce, the organisers note.

GOVERNANCE, POLICY HARMONISATION

Strong governance and harmonised policies are essential for a stable, attractive investment environment, the MI26 organisers say.

When African governments unite, they unlock growth in mining and the broader economy, they note.

Harmonised regulations, better infrastructure and responsible investment create a stable foundation, while international partnerships bring technology, funding and expertise to fast-track success.

“Investors seek returns, and rightly so, but at the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, we are equally committed to ensuring that the benefits of growth and development are shared with workers, communities and the country at large. Progress is only meaningful when it lifts all stakeholders,” says Mantashe.

BUILDING AFRICA’S FUTURE TOGETHER

As MI26 approaches, it is clear that the future of African mining lies in partnerships, the organisers say.

Whether it is governments harmonising regulations, companies investing in communities, or innovators pushing technological boundaries, collaboration is the key to unlocking Africa’s full potential.

By fostering mutual respect, transparent dialogue and inclusive decision-making, the mining sector can ensure that Africa’s mineral wealth becomes a catalyst for justice, prosperity and dignity for all, they note.

Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026, with its theme enjoining the industry to be “Stronger Together”, offers participants a golden opportunity to partner with industry stakeholders to unlock possibilities and strengthen the sector, the organisers state.