The Deputy President’s participation highlights the South African Government’s continued commitment to strengthening the country’s manufacturing sector as a catalyst for economic growth, industrialisation, investment, job creation, and enhanced regional competitiveness.

As Africa’s leading manufacturing event, the Manufacturing Indaba serves as a strategic platform that brings together government leaders, policymakers, manufacturers, investors, technology providers, development finance institutions, and industry experts from across the continent. The conference focuses on advancing industrial development, promoting investment, strengthening regional value chains, and accelerating Africa’s manufacturing transformation.

The presence of the Deputy President reinforces the critical role that manufacturing plays in achieving South Africa’s economic priorities and the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His keynote address is expected to provide strategic insights into South Africa’s industrial agenda, the importance of policy certainty and public-private collaboration, and the opportunities available to position Africa as a globally competitive manufacturing hub.

“The participation of His Excellency, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is a tremendous honour for the Manufacturing Indaba and reflects the importance of manufacturing in South Africa’s economic future,” said Liz Hart, Managing Director of Manufacturing Indaba.

“Manufacturing remains one of the country’s greatest opportunities to drive inclusive economic growth, create sustainable employment, stimulate investment, and strengthen regional value chains. We look forward to the Deputy President sharing government’s vision for advancing industrialisation and fostering closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.”

This year’s Manufacturing Indaba comes at a pivotal time as businesses across Africa seek to improve productivity, embrace digital transformation, accelerate decarbonisation, build resilient supply chains, and unlock new opportunities through intra-African trade.

Over two days, delegates will engage in high-level conference sessions, investment discussions, business matchmaking, technology showcases, and networking opportunities designed to support the growth and competitiveness of African manufacturers.

The Manufacturing Indaba continues to play a leading role in facilitating meaningful dialogue between industry and government while connecting manufacturers with the partners, technologies, and investment opportunities needed to drive sustainable industrial growth across the continent.

Industry leaders, manufacturers, investors, SMEs, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa are invited to join this landmark event and be part of shaping the future of manufacturing on the continent.

Event Details

Event: Manufacturing Indaba 2026 Conference and Exhibition
Date: 14–15 July 2026
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

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Despite possessing some of the world’s largest renewable and conventional energy resources, Africa remains home to more than 600 million people without access to electricity. At the same time, many countries continue to experience generation shortages, transmission constraints, and rising energy costs. Bridging this gap will require not only significant investment in generation capacity but also greater regional cooperation and cross-border energy trade.

Regional power pools offer a practical and proven solution

By connecting national electricity networks and enabling countries to trade power across borders, regional power pools allow nations to share resources, improve system reliability, optimise generation assets, and reduce the cost of electricity supply. Rather than each country attempting to build sufficient generation capacity independently, interconnected markets enable surplus electricity in one region to support demand in another.

Africa currently hosts five regional power pools: the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), West African Power Pool (WAPP), Central African Power Pool (CAPP), and the Comité Maghrébin de l’Électricité (COMELEC) in North Africa. Together, these organisations represent one of the most significant opportunities for transforming the continent’s energy landscape.

The Southern African Power Pool has already demonstrated the value of regional integration. Established in 1995, SAPP enables member utilities and independent power producers to trade electricity across Southern Africa, helping countries manage supply shortages and improve system resilience. Similar progress is being made in East and West Africa, where regional interconnections are creating larger and more attractive electricity markets for investors.

The importance of regional integration is becoming even more pronounced as Africa accelerates the deployment of renewable energy.  Many renewable resources are concentrated in specific geographic areas. Hydropower potential is abundant in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Zambia. Exceptional solar resources exist across Southern and North Africa, while wind potential continues to attract investment in countries such as Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, and Egypt.

Regional transmission infrastructure allows these resources to be shared across borders, helping countries benefit from clean energy generation regardless of where the resource is located. It also supports greater grid stability by balancing intermittent renewable energy production across larger geographic regions.

According to the African Development Bank and other continental energy institutions, regional electricity markets could significantly reduce the overall cost of electricity supply while supporting broader economic integration and industrial development. Larger regional markets also improve project bankability by providing developers with access to multiple off-takers and a broader customer base.

The benefits extend beyond electrification

Power pool integration supports industrialisation, attracts foreign direct investment, enhances energy security, improves grid resilience, and enables countries to better respond to energy shocks and supply disruptions. For investors, regional electricity markets create opportunities to develop larger generation projects and transmission infrastructure capable of serving multiple countries.

However, important challenges remain

Expanding regional power pools requires substantial investment in transmission infrastructure, harmonised regulatory frameworks, improved market governance, enhanced utility performance, and greater political cooperation. Cross-border projects often involve complex financing structures and lengthy development timelines. Addressing these challenges will require stronger collaboration between governments, regulators, utilities, financiers, development institutions, and the private sector.

Encouragingly, momentum is building

Major regional transmission projects are under development across Africa, while initiatives such as the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) seek to create a unified continental electricity market capable of supporting the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Mission 300’s goal of expanding energy access to hundreds of millions of Africans.

Recognising the critical role of regional integration in Africa’s energy future, Regional Power Pools: The Opportunity to Electrify Africa will be a key topic of discussion at the Africa Energy Indaba, taking place from March 2-4, 2027, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Energy ministers, power pool executives, utilities, regulators, transmission companies, investors, multilateral institutions, independent power producers, and development finance organisations will gather to explore how regional cooperation can accelerate electrification, improve energy security, unlock investment, and support Africa’s economic growth ambitions.

Discussion topics will include cross-border electricity trading, transmission infrastructure investment, regional market development, renewable energy integration, regulatory harmonisation, the African Single Electricity Market, and the role of regional power pools in delivering universal access to energy.

As Africa seeks to power its industries, expand economic opportunities, and improve the lives of millions, regional power pools may prove to be one of the continent’s most important and transformative energy assets.

The future of African energy is not only national, but it is also increasingly regional.

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According to conveyor specialist Tru-Trac Rollers (Pty) Ltd, this approach is one of the primary reasons why conveyor failures continue to repeat across the industry.

As the company prepares for Electra Mining Africa 2026, Shaun Blumberg, COO of Tru-Trac, says its focus will not simply be on showcasing products but rather on changing how operations think about conveyor performance and the underlying causes of recurring system failures.

“Conveyor problems rarely exist in isolation,” Blumberg explains. “Replacing a component without understanding the cause often leads to the same failure returning. What may initially appear to be a tracking issue, for example, can quickly escalate into carryback, spillage, belt damage, excessive component wear and ultimately unplanned downtime.”

Tru-Trac believes that many conveyor systems are still managed incorrectly because visible symptoms are addressed without identifying the underlying system behaviour driving the problem.

This creates what Blumberg describes as an industry-wide “failure loop” – misalignment occurs, carryback increases, idlers and pulleys wear prematurely, spillage and belt damage follow, production interruptions occur, emergency maintenance is performed and the same problem returns shortly afterwards.

While these issues are often categorised as maintenance concerns, he argues that the impact extends far beyond the maintenance department.

“Conveyor performance is not only a maintenance concern. It is a production issue,” Blumberg says. “When conveyor systems underperform, the effect is felt across uptime, throughput, labour requirements, housekeeping, safety performance, belt life and ultimately overall plant efficiency.”

This thinking forms the basis of Tru-Trac’s engineering-led approach to conveyor performance support.

Rather than positioning itself as a supplier of individual components in isolation, Tru-Trac positions itself as a conveyor performance partner focused on diagnosing root causes, reducing repeat failures and improving long-term operational reliability.

Central to this approach is a structured five-step process that begins with understanding the conveyor system as a whole.

The first step involves assessing the full conveyor environment rather than focusing only on the visibly failed component. This includes evaluating system conditions, loading behaviour, belt tracking characteristics, transfer points, material build-up and operational conditions that may be contributing to ongoing performance problems.

Once the broader system has been assessed, Tru-Trac focuses on identifying the root cause behind the visible symptom.

“Misalignment, carryback, spillage and belt damage are often connected symptoms,” Blumberg explains. “The visible problem is not always the primary problem. Engineered intervention starts with understanding the system.”

Only once the root cause has been identified does product specification follow. He says engineering judgement and application understanding must always come before selecting a corrective intervention.

Tru-Trac then works with operations to ensure the correct solution is implemented properly on site before continuing with ongoing technical support, inspections and performance monitoring aimed at sustaining long-term conveyor reliability.

This shift from reactive maintenance towards engineered conveyor performance is expected to form a major part of Tru-Trac’s discussions with customers at Electra Mining Africa 2026.

The company believes the industry is increasingly recognising that conveyor failures cannot be solved sustainably through repeated replacement of individual components alone.

“Reactive maintenance fixes what breaks,” Blumberg says. “Engineered performance focuses on diagnosing, specifying, implementing and supporting the correct long-term solution.”

At Electra Mining Africa 2026, Tru-Trac aims to engage directly with operations around the broader production impact of conveyor instability and the importance of system-level diagnosis.

He says the company wants customers to move beyond viewing conveyor problems as routine maintenance frustrations and instead recognise them as operational performance issues that directly affect production targets, operating costs and reliability.

By focusing on root-cause analysis, engineered intervention and long-term performance support, Tru-Trac believes operations can significantly reduce repeat failures while improving uptime, belt life and overall conveyor reliability.

As conveyor systems continue to play a critical role in modern mining and bulk materials handling operations, Blumberg says the industry must move beyond reactive thinking and towards a more integrated approach to conveyor performance management.

“The goal is not simply to sell a component,” Blumberg concludes. “The goal is to improve conveyor performance.”

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The celebrations began with a tour of the company’s facilities, where guests were given a closer look at several customised machines and solutions developed to meet the unique requirements of African industries, particularly the mining industry.

Speaking during the event, Chris Riley, Regional President of Bosch Rexroth Africa and Chief Executive Officer of Bosch Rexroth South Africa, highlighted customisation as one of the company’s key differentiators.

“One of the things that has made us successful is customisation,” Riley said. “Globally, Bosch Rexroth supplies products to major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in sectors such as mining, agriculture and automotive. However, Africa is different. We are largely an end-user-focused market, supporting equipment that has been imported onto the continent.”

According to Riley, this has enabled the company to develop solutions tailored to local operating conditions rather than relying solely on standardised global offerings.

Beyond technology and products, Riley believes the company’s longevity has been driven by its close relationships with customers.

“One of our hashtags is ‘closer than you think’,” he said. “That’s really about getting close to customers, understanding their pain points and helping them solve problems.”

He explained that the company’s approach often begins with addressing a specific operational challenge before expanding support services.

“If a mine is experiencing downtime because of hydraulic hose failures, we’ll bring hose stock onto the site, place a technician there and ensure the problem is resolved quickly. From there, we identify other areas where we can add value, whether it’s filtration, spare parts or pumps. We don’t rush it. It’s slow and steady.”

As industries increasingly explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), Bosch Rexroth Africa is also integrating digital technologies into its operations and training programmes. However, Riley noted that significant challenges remain in implementing AI-driven solutions in African mining environments. One of the biggest barriers is connectivity.

Riley cited the example of the company’s Smart Inspect system, which guides technicians through equipment inspections using QR-code-based digital workflows.

“When we first introduced the application, it required continuous online connectivity. The reality is that many mining operations have little or no connectivity underground or in operational areas,” he said.

To address this, Bosch Rexroth redesigned the application so that data can be captured offline and uploaded once technicians return to an area with Wi-Fi or cellular coverage.

Beyond connectivity, Riley identified data privacy as another critical concern.

“If I can monitor a customer’s equipment online, I can potentially gain insights into production levels and operational performance. Customers become uncomfortable when that data sits on someone else’s server,” he said.

While AI and connected technologies continue to gain momentum globally, Riley believes adoption in Africa will follow a different trajectory.

“AI in a highly connected European environment is one thing, but Africa operates in a different context. Connectivity infrastructure and data concerns mean we’re not there yet. In time, it will come, but for now the realities are different.”

As Bosch Rexroth Africa enters its seventh decade, the company remains focused on delivering customised solutions, building strong customer partnerships and adapting global technologies to suit the realities of African industry.

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Hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), with strategic partners National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), SNC Incorporated and Rhino Resources, the conference is officially endorsed by Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

Under the theme, “From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians”, the conference serves as a platform for inclusion, partnership and sustainable economic development.

The 2026 edition features an expanded exhibition and enhanced networking, including a new pre-event golf tournament on August 17 to strengthen collaboration across the sector.

Pre-conference masterclasses and engagement sessions on  August 18 will focus on local participation, entrepreneurship and workforce development. Highlights include local content panel discussions and Local Content Pitching Sessions hosted by NIPDB, showcasing innovative Namibian businesses seeking opportunities in the oil and gas value chain.

The pre-conference programme will also include a speed networking session and a dedicated Future Generations session focused on youth skills development and industry engagement.

The main strategic and technical conference programmes, running from August 19-20, will feature keynote addresses from government, industry and sector leaders, followed by discussions on Namibia’s evolving energy landscape.

Day one, themed “Industry in Action: Operators, Independents and Finance”, will focus on project development, investment opportunities and upstream collaboration. Day two, “SMEs, Finance, Servicing and Critical Infrastructure to Develop a Sustainable Energy Mix”, will explore local business participation, infrastructure development and long-term energy sustainability.

Alongside the strategic programme, the two-day technical conference will feature presentations on emerging trends, innovation and policy developments. New for 2026, NIPDB-hosted supplier workshops will create opportunities for engagement between operators, suppliers and entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the launch, Jason Kasuto, Chairperson of the EAN and Managing Director of Monasa Advisories and Associates, said: “The conference will once again provide a platform for discussion. Namibia’s energy future will be shaped through collaboration between local and international stakeholders, established operators, emerging enterprises, policymakers and communities. Above all, it requires a shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.”

“It is my pleasure to officially unveil the theme of the fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, which is ‘From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians’. This theme reflects a deliberate shift in focus,” he noted.

Kasuto further elaborated on the theme and its importance for Namibia’s youth. “The conference will be the catalyst for taking real training capacity to where the work is and to the coastal towns. This way our young people are equipped, on their own doorstep, with the technical skills this industry demands, rather than travelling only to the capital or watching the jobs go to others.”

He added, “History will ask not how much oil we produced but what we did with it. Did we make this oil work for our people? Together with our operators, training institutions and international partners, we are setting a very bold target. We will not import a workforce, which is very important for the skills it brings, but we will build one here at home. Whether it’s in Lüderitz or Walvis Bay, we are going to build it here.”

Utaara Hoveka, Communications & Public Relations Specialist at National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), reflected on the 2025 conference.

“The 2025 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference was held in Windhoek under the theme ‘From Exploration to Action: Positioning Namibia as the Next Frontier’. It brought together government, industry and civil society to discuss the next phase of Namibia’s petroleum industry. We had 73 exhibition stands and close to 2,000 delegates. The conference also explored how petroleum development can support broader industrial growth, ensuring the benefits of the sector are shared across Namibia.”

Cons Karamata, CEO of the EAN, spoke on the importance of the theme. “Its success cannot be measured solely by discoveries, investment announcements or production figures. It will ultimately be measured by its impact on people’s lives. It will be measured by opportunities for young Namibians, the growth of local businesses and entrepreneurs, and stronger skills, institutions and communities,” he stated.

NOGC 2026 is expected to attract close to 2,000 delegates from government, industry, academia, civil society and the international energy community.

Through its focus on inclusion, workforce development, local procurement and dialogue, NOGC 2026 aims to ensure Namibia’s energy growth supports long-term prosperity and sustainable economic transformation

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This year’s awards programme features a new Academic Excellence in the Construction and Built Environment Sector Category, created to recognise and celebrate female academics, lecturers, and researchers who are advancing resilient construction practices, sustainable infrastructure, and skills development across the sector.

“The introduction of this new category represents an important evolution for the cidb ERWIC Awards,” said cidb CEO Bongani Dladla. “We are not only celebrating contractors; we are also recognising the academics who shape knowledge, mentor the next generation and strengthen the future of women in construction. By honouring their contribution, we are deepening our transformation agenda and ensuring it is rooted in research, innovation, and sustainable development.”

“The cidb ERWIC Awards have always been about more than just recognition; it is a catalyst for change,” Dladla added. “Whether through adoption of best practice new technologies, or the pursuit of academic excellence, our goal remains the same: to foster an industry that is truly developmental, inclusive, and built to withstand the demands of the future.”

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Under the theme #InvestInNext, the 12th edition of the Junior Indaba focused on exploration, junior mining, investment, innovation and the future of the mining industry. South Africa’s Council for Geoscience (Council for Geoscience) continues to play a central role as custodian of geoscience knowledge and geological data, enabling exploration and supporting investment across the sector.

The discussions centred on how Africa can better unlock its mineral wealth and attract sustainable investment into junior mining.

Africa’s opportunity and the global mining shift

Speaking on Day 2, Session 3 under the topic “Showcasing junior mining companies, projects and investment opportunities,” Tony Lennox, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Orion Minerals, delivered a phenomenal address on Africa’s mining potential and the realities facing junior miners.

He said Africa remains one of the most prospective regions globally, with significant opportunities across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and the broader sub-Saharan region. He noted that global mining majors have increasingly concentrated operations in jurisdictions such as Australia, partly due to perceptions of sovereign risk.

However, Lennox pointed to renewed interest in Africa’s resource base, noting that Orion Minerals has attracted major industry players, including BHP’s exploration programme, back into the Northern Cape region, with growing linkages to Namibia and Botswana.

He highlighted the copper potential stretching from North-West in South Africa into Namibia as “one of the most prospective but still under-evaluated copper regions on the planet.”

From resources to reality: infrastructure is everything

While geological endowment remains strong, Lennox stressed that success in junior mining depends on far more than resources alone.

He emphasised that water, power, logistics and employment readiness are critical enablers for any project to succeed. Without these fundamentals in place, even high-quality deposits struggle to reach production.

“You need to understand the logistics cost. You need to understand getting your product to market,” he said. 

He said understanding the full cost of getting a product to market is essential for junior miners transitioning from exploration to production.

Leadership, clarity and consistency

Lennox also reflected on leadership in mining organisations, arguing that clarity is one of the most important traits for executives guiding junior companies.

He emphasised the need for clear, simple and confident communication with investors, communities and stakeholders, noting that global capital flows to projects that present certainty and direction.

He emphasised the importance of consistency, from execution and permitting to operational discipline. Without it, junior miners risk losing credibility and momentum.

He also highlighted that mining success is rarely linear, stressing that disciplined decision-making and long-term thinking are essential to building sustainable operations.

No shortcuts in mining

As with any other business, shortcuts are usually a gamble and should be avoided if you want longevity and sustainability. Lennox cautioned against speculative thinking in mining development, stating that there are “no shortcuts” to building viable operations.

While acknowledging that luck can sometimes play a role, he stressed that long-term success depends on structured planning, disciplined execution and a willingness to make measured decisions over time.

“If you’ve found a deposit and you think you can ramp it and build it up and do a quick speculative transition, you may be lucky, but at the end of the day, it requires diligent, deliberate thinking and conversation,” Lennox said. 

“If you think there are shortcuts along the way, you’ll get some gravel rash and a few tears.”

The Junior Indaba 2026 reinforced a consistent message from industry leaders: Africa’s mineral potential is vast, but unlocking it requires infrastructure alignment, disciplined investment, and strong leadership.

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The $3.4 Trillion AfCFTA Opportunity

Full implementation of the AfCFTA is projected to boost intra-African trade by up to 45% by 2045, adding approximately $275 billion in trade value, with manufacturing and agro-processing sectors set to benefit the most.  Intra-African exports in manufactured goods could surge dramatically (World Bank estimates show potential growth of 109% in intra-African manufactured exports), while overall African exports to the rest of the world could rise by 32% by 2035. 

This creates massive new revenue streams for local manufacturers: economies of scale, regional value chains, and tariff-free access to a continental market that already sees manufactured goods making up a significant share of intra-African trade.  The agreement is expected to attract increased foreign direct investment into labour-intensive manufacturing, drive industrialisation, and create millions of new jobs, positioning African producers to move from raw material exporters to competitive manufacturers of finished goods.

Under the banner “Made in Africa”, the two-day event will equip delegates with practical, high-impact strategies to turn localisation into a genuine competitive advantage in the AfCFTA era. 

Why You Should Be There

Get immediately actionable strategies you can implement the moment you return to your factory- proven localisation frameworks, supplier development models, and cost-reduction tactics that have already delivered results for fellow African manufacturers.  

Access new revenue streams – direct exposure to domestic, regional (AfCFTA), and export market opportunities, complete with practical guidance on compliance, logistics, and buyer connections.  

Stay ahead of the curve – discover how to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies (AI, automation, robotics) to slash costs, boost efficiency, and meet global quality standards.  

Unlock funding and partnerships – meet investors, development finance institutions, and government officials offering tailored incentives, grants, and capital for manufacturers ready to scale.  

Real peer learning – hear genuine case studies from business owners who have successfully shifted from import dependency to local production champions.  

High-impact networking – two days of concentrated deal-making with over 1,000 manufacturers, policymakers, buyers, and solution providers in one venue.

“Manufacturing Indaba 2026 is not another talk shop,” said event organisers. “It is a results-driven platform where manufacturers gain the tools, networks, and insights needed to localise profitably, capture new markets, and lead Africa’s industrial renaissance.”

We look forward to welcoming you as we build a stronger, more competitive Made in Africa manufacturing sector.

Event Details:

Dates: 14 – 15 July 2026

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. For registration, exhibition booking, sponsorship opportunities, and further information, visit: www.manufacturingindaba.co.za

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GAC, the bauxite mining subsidiary of EGA, the world’s largest producer of premium aluminium, terminated all its activities in August last year following the illegal expropriation of its assets by the Republic of Guinea. In response, Guinea assumed responsibility for the operation and security of GAC’s facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and materials.

It all started when Guinea revoked GAC’s mining title, transferring it to Nimba Mining Company S.A. in 2024. Negotiations between the parties continued until this week, when discussions were held under the supervision of the incumbent President of the Paris Bar Association.

Settlement Agreement

According to a joint statement, the agreement, subject to certain conditions, outlines two key elements:

Payment to GAC: The Republic of Guinea was ordered to pay a lump sum to GAC in exchange for the transfer of its assets to Nimba Mining Company (NMC), enabling exploitation of the Sangarédi bauxite project.

Renewal of supply agreements: Bauxite supply contracts between CBG and EGA will be renewed under mutually beneficial commercial terms.

Strategic Implications

The settlement aligns with the guiding principles of the Simandou Strategic Committee, reflecting a constructive effort to normalise and strengthen trade relations between Guinea and EGA. For Guinea, the deal ensures continuity of mining operations through NMC, while EGA secures renewed access to Guinean bauxite,  a critical raw material for its global aluminium production.

This resolution marks a turning point in Guinea’s mining sector, potentially restoring investor confidence after months of uncertainty. It also underscores the importance of international arbitration and negotiation in resolving complex disputes within Africa’s resource industries.

Arbitration and Critical Minerals Context

Such disputes were also discussed at Johannesburg Arbitration Week (JAW) on Wednesday, May 6, where trade-related conflicts over critical minerals were highlighted. Jackwell Feris, Head of Industrials, Manufacturing & Trade Sector at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, explained how the Guinea case exemplifies a broader trend.

“The rise in critical mineral disputes is evident. One example is the Guinea case involving bauxite, essential for aluminium production, and by extension, the renewable energy and automotive sectors. The government argued that licenses were not benefiting the country and terminated them, while investors claimed they were operating lawfully. This tug of war reflects a wider pattern: governments are pushing for more value addition, while investors seek stability and protection,” said Feris.

He further noted that similar tensions are emerging elsewhere, citing Namibia’s recent export restrictions on lithium aimed at promoting downstream beneficiation. 

“We are seeing several potential disputes arising from the criticalness of critical minerals. Governments want to ensure local value addition, and this aligns with global frameworks such as the G20 declaration. But it also sets the stage for more arbitration as Africa balances its own interests with global demand,” he added. 

The Guinea–EGA settlement is more than a resolution of a single dispute; it is emblematic of the shifting dynamics in Africa’s mining sector. As governments assert greater control over critical minerals to secure value addition and long-term economic benefits, investors are increasingly turning to arbitration to safeguard their interests. The balance between sovereignty and investment protection will define the future of resource governance across the continent.

For Guinea, the agreement restores stability and signals a willingness to engage constructively with international partners. For the wider industry, it serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder that arbitration is no longer peripheral but central to the future of mining and trade in Africa’s critical minerals.

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This development is part of a wider trend across Africa, where mineral-rich nations are actively pursuing national geomapping programs to strengthen production capabilities, de-risk exploration projects, and position the continent as a pivotal player in the global mineral supply chain. The new partnership is not merely a localised effort; rather, it reflects a continental ambition to unlock Africa’s vast but underexploited mineral resources, valued at an estimated $8.5 trillion.

The significance of geomapping initiatives will take centre stage at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for October 14-16 in Cape Town. This prestigious event, known as one of the most influential mining conferences in Africa, aims to connect global investors and geophysical technology providers with African regulators and project developers, paving the way for strategic collaborations that could catalyse greenfield developments across the continent.

The theme for AMW 2026, “Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value Chain,” encapsulates the growing resolve among African mining jurisdictions to unlock their mineral potential. Recent partnerships across several African nations serve as illustrative examples of this trend, with Burundi embarking on a mid-March collaboration with U.S. firms Lifezone Metals and KoBold Metals to evaluate the Musongati Nickel project, and the Democratic Republic of Congo engaging Xcalibur Smart Mapping to analyse an expansive area of 700,000 square kilometres in pursuit of its untapped $24 trillion worth of mineral reserves.

So far, Zambia has completed 55% of its national geomapping project to identify new copper deposits, aiming to achieve ambitious production targets by 2031. Nigeria has also advanced its geomapping strategies following the approval of a substantial N1 trillion budget for 2026, which will be directed towards unlocking the potential of 44 critical minerals. Nations such as Tanzania are now following suit, while South Africa emerges as a key supporter, offering technical assistance to countries like Gabon, South Sudan, and Nigeria.

Moreover, Liberia is set to undertake an ambitious plan to geomap 80% of its largely unexplored geology. In an exclusive pre-AMW 2026 interview, Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Matenokay Tingban, emphasised their pursuit of geomapping and exploration partners, remarking, “With Liberia’s vast but largely untapped mineral resources, access to geoscientific data will allow us to negotiate stronger investment deals and unlock downstream infrastructure development.”

The surge in geomapping initiatives not only reflects Africa’s dedication to reviving and growing its mining sector but also presents monumental opportunities for global exploration, drilling, and geophysical technology providers. As AMW 2026 prepares to showcase ongoing geomapping progress, it promises to be a vital platform for connecting African stakeholders with international partners, thus laying the groundwork for partnerships that could significantly enhance the future of Africa’s mineral exploration and production landscape.

Edited by Thobile Mazibuko

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