Cape Town to host ICS2025 in November

The International Commodity Summit 2025 in Cape Town will bring together mining, energy, and trade leaders to align on global commodity markets, critical minerals, ESG, and sustainable investment. Scheduled for November 18–20, ICS2025 is expected to drive FDI and policy reform across the Global South.

Why ICS2025 matters: Global demand for critical minerals and green infrastructure

As global demand for vital minerals, battery metals, and green infrastructure components grows, the ICS2025 aspires to position South Africa as a focal point for dialogue and collaboration on trade regulations, investment frameworks, and natural resource sustainability.

The November period positions the ICS2025 to coincide with the end of the Northern Hemisphere’s agricultural harvest season and the fiscal planning periods of G20 nations, offering an ideal opportunity for all stakeholders to conclude contracts and investment plans for the coming year.

November is also when commodity-dependent corporations begin to hedge for the first and second quarters of 2026. In addition, insightful talks at ICS may influence how corporations handle derivatives markets.

“Hosting the ICS2025 in November allows us to harness the full spectrum of commodity market dynamics; from global supply shifts and price signals to regulatory reform and ESG alignment,” stated Cherrylee Samson, Vice President of Hibarri.

Hosted during South Africa’s G20 Presidency

The ICS2025 will coincide with the hosting of the G20 Presidency which will take place in Johannesburg. The ICS2025 presents a unique opportunity for international attendees to attend the G20 Summit alongside the ICS2025 summit.

As the first African host and G20 chair from the Global South, South Africa enters the global spotlight. Hosting world leaders from the G20, EU, and African Union (85% of GDP, 75% of commerce) strengthens its diplomatic position.

SA is promoting several important themes, including climate financing, debt reduction, corruption, inclusive industrialization, food security, and AI governance. It is possible to highlight Global South priorities in international governance with the leadership of fellow BRICS and G20 countries.

With mounting tensions – Trump’s prospective tariff threats and potential US under-participation – South Africa must strike a balance between protectionist pressure and its partnership with China, Russia, and Europe. This position either strengthens or strains relations with the United States and the European Union, depending on SA’s ability to negotiate both. The ICS2025 follows significant global forums such as Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC meetings) and COP30 pre-sessions, providing participants with timely information for informed decision-making.

Over 70 countries are expected to attend, including G20 and African Union member states, multinational corporations, institutional investors, and sustainability leaders. The summit will focus on climate finance for sustainable mining, policies to improve local mineral beneficiation, and the integration of African resource corridors into global supply chains.

“This summit will play a critical role in shaping the future of resource management and trade, especially as South Africa hosts the G20 Presidency in 2025”, said Samson.

ICS2025 Themes and Focus Areas

Driving ESG in Mining and Sustainable Resource Governance:

• Climate finance for sustainable mining operations
• Local mineral beneficiation and value-added processing in Africa
• Renewable energy in mining and clean technology integration
• Trade policy reform and ESG compliance in commodity markets
• Africa & EU and Global North & South partnerships for equitable resource sharing
• Supply chain integration of African resource corridors into global markets

The event will also act as a forum for strengthening Africa-EU economic relations, boosting renewable energy use in mining, and encouraging equitable resource sharing between the Global North and South.

South Africa’s status as G20 President emphasizes the summit’s geopolitical importance, making ICS2025 more than just a trade event, but also a catalyst for infrastructure investment and strategic partnerships.

The ICS2025 summit presents South Africa with the opportunity to develop a positive market image and policy environment, supported by bond upgrades and declining yields to heighten investor confidence.

“The ICS2025 aims to give investors clarity, consistency, and confidence. By integrating legislative frameworks with ESG norms and highlighting Africa’s critical role in global supply chains, we are creating long-term prospects for sustainable growth and responsible investment”, said Cherrylee Samson, Vice President of Hibarri.

Cape Town, the host city, will begin its post-peak tourism season in November, providing a great site with world-class conference facilities, and a thriving ecosystem of trade, technology, and innovation clusters. Delegates, sponsors, and investors who want to shape the future of global commodities are invited to register early.