Africa is intensifying its conversation on mining law reform, signaling a renewed push for legislation that balances investor certainty with local development priorities. The calls for change come amid growing recognition that the continent’s mining sector – a key driver of economic growth – must modernize to remain competitive while delivering sustainable benefits to host communities.

This week, Ghana’s Chamber of Mines urged a collaborative approach to the review of the Minerals and Mining Act, emphasizing flexibility as a cornerstone of future legislation. Industry representatives warn that overly restrictive provisions – such as shorter lease terms or burdensome contractual clauses – could deter foreign investment, ultimately slowing the country’s mining growth. “The review of the Minerals and Mining Act provides an opportunity to put in place a modern regulatory framework that addresses today’s challenges while preparing the industry for future opportunities,” said Chamber of Mines COO Ahmed Nantogmah.

Meanwhile, in Morocco, Energy Minister Leila Benali has extended the conversation to a continental level, calling for standardized frameworks that promote transparency, environmental stewardship and equitable value distribution across Africa’s mining sector. Speaking at a recent energy forum, Minister Benali stressed that sustainable mining cannot be achieved without clear ESG guidelines and traceability systems that assure investors and communities alike of ethical operations.

Together, Ghana and Morocco exemplify a broader continental trend: African nations are under increasing pressure to modernize mining legislation in ways that safeguard investor confidence while ensuring tangible benefits for local economies. This balancing act is central to Africa’s ambition to attract long-term investment, enhance competitiveness and align mining practices with global ESG expectations.

The momentum for reform comes at a critical moment. African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, taking place on October 1-3 in Cape Town, will spotlight the themes of enabling legislation, ESG standards and investment-ready frameworks across the continent. Panels will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and investors to debate how Africa can modernize its mining laws without compromising national interests. Among the key topics expected to dominate discussions are investor certainty, sustainability, traceability and the implementation of African-focused solutions to regulatory challenges.

For Ghana and Morocco, these reforms reflect an understanding that mining law cannot remain static in a rapidly evolving global market. Countries that fail to adapt risk losing out to competitors offering more predictable, transparent and sustainable frameworks. Moreover, investor-friendly reforms are not just about attracting capital – they also aim to integrate African stakeholders into value chains, with flexible lease terms, fair royalty structures and transparent permitting processes building trust among governments, companies and local communities.

With mining revenues poised to play a pivotal role in Africa’s economic trajectory, legislative overhauls in Ghana, Morocco and other African mining markets offer a blueprint for harmonizing investor appeal with sustainable development. The question now is whether other nations will follow suit and how quickly they can implement reforms that meet the needs of both investors and local communities. For investors at AMW 2025, these changes signal Africa’s readiness to engage the global mining industry on mutually beneficial terms.

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.