With the demand for critical minerals projected to quadruple by 2040 and traditional commodities such as gold reaching record highs in 2026, Africa is increasingly positioned 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 – minerals essential to the energy transition and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, the continent remains the leading producer of diamonds and gold, reinforcing its strategic importance to both the global jewelry market and national wealth preservation.

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

Event details:

• Dates: 14th – 16th October 2026
• Location: Cape Town
• Theme: Mining The Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value
• Website: african-miningweek.com