France strengthens mining partnerships in Africa at Mining Indaba 2026

From 9 to 12 February 2026, Business France will showcase French expertise at the Mining Indaba 2026 conference in Cape Town, South Africa. This event, one of the most important mining gatherings in Africa, is expected to draw over 10 500 visitors and 1 200 exhibitors from around the globe.

As global demand for critical minerals grows, driven by energy transition, electrification, and digitalisation, Africa continues to emerge as a strategic mining destination and a partner in diversifying global supply chains. While challenges such as infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, and regulatory harmonisation remain, the continent’s rich mineral resources place it at the heart of supply chains for batteries, renewable energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

“Mining in Africa is entering a new phase, where partnerships must support not only production, but also industrial development, resilience and long-term value creation,” says Stéfane Leny, Industry Head at Business France in Southern Africa. “France has a role to play by aligning its expertise with Africa’s ambitions in critical minerals, energy transition and industrial capacity building.”

The 2026 mining sector faces significant energy-related challenges. Rising energy costs, grid limitations, and decarbonisation targets are accelerating the adoption of hybrid and renewable energy solutions. Across Africa, mining companies are investing in low-carbon solutions to ensure power supply, reduce emissions, and strengthen operational resilience.

Water scarcity and climate variability are also shaping investment decisions, while digitalisation and automation continue to transform mining operations. Governments and financiers increasingly demand transparency, traceability, and measurable environmental and social performance.

“Our focus is on strengthening France’s mining footprint in Africa by creating concrete opportunities for collaboration between French companies and local mining ecosystems,” Leny explains. Business France facilitates connections, supports market entry, and helps French firms engage with key decision-makers across Africa’s mining sector.

Team France at Mining Indaba 2026 will include Business France, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the European Union, and a delegation of French private-sector partners specialising in mining, energy, infrastructure, and industrial services. The France Pavilion, located at Stand 1U51 within the European Union Pavilion, will feature leading French companies such as Natixis, Conductix Wampfler, Daron Group, DNA Blast Group, Forvis Mazars, and Friedlander International.

Their expertise spans financing, engineering, operational equipment, blasting solutions, and industrial services, offering African partners access to innovative technologies and project know-how across the mining value chain.

By strengthening cooperation around critical minerals, clean energy, technology, and skills, Africa is positioning itself as a cornerstone of resilient global supply chains, while France reinforces its role as a committed long-term partner in the continent’s mining and industrial development.