Africa takes center stage in the global energy transition at African Mining Week 2026
Cape Town to host investors and industry leaders as Africa advances in critical minerals and sustainable mining.
African Mining Week (AMW) is making a highly anticipated return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 14-16 October 2026, under the compelling theme: “Mining the Future: Critical Resources, Sustainability, and Community Development.”
The event promises to connect international investors with Africa’s vast mining opportunities, placing the continent front and center in the global energy transition and critical minerals supply chain.
Delegates can expect a dynamic lineup of high-level panel discussions, technical workshops, and networking sessions, building on the success of AMW 2025, which drew around 1,500 participants, over 85 speakers, and representatives from 315 companies across 22 countries.
This year, the summit will tackle pivotal topics shaping Africa’s mining sector, including formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining, energy security, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, and the empowerment of women and youth. Human capital development and emerging technologies linked to the Fourth Industrial Revolution will also be in focus, reflecting the sector’s evolution.
Africa is home to roughly 30% of the world’s critical minerals, including copper, cobalt, manganese, and platinum.
Yet much of these resources are exported in raw form, with China dominating processing and production, controlling 85% of global refining capacity and 60% of output for key minerals. With Africa’s vast mineral wealth, AMW 2026 provides a crucial platform to explore ways the continent can capture more value locally while contributing to global energy needs.
According to the Policy Center for the New South, 42 out of 54 African countries are resource dependent, with varying reliance on non-fuel minerals, energy exports, or agriculture. AMW aims to spotlight these dynamics while fostering discussions that drive sustainability, innovation, and investment across the sector.
AMW 2026 will run alongside African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026 from 12-16 October, creating a comprehensive hub for energy and mining leaders to explore opportunities, share insights, and shape Africa’s economic future.
