Against this backdrop, African Mining Week (AMW) will feature ministers from Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Ghana, Egypt, South Sudan and Nigeria, outlining policy shifts to attract new investment. Zimbabwe’s ban on raw lithium exports has already spurred billions in beneficiation projects, driving output nearly eightfold between 2020 and 2023. Zambia increased exploration spending by 89% between 2021 and 2022, while South Africa launched a R500 million fund in 2024 to support early-stage exploration ahead of a national strategy. Meanwhile, the DRC – the world’s top cobalt producer – imposed a temporary export ban in early 2025 to manage oversupply.

The WEF report highlights persistent barriers including policy uncertainty, high project risk, energy shortages, transport bottlenecks, slow industrialization, skills gaps and demand volatility. It recommends financing innovations, public–private partnerships for risk-sharing, stable power investments, new technologies and stronger local value addition. With global demand for critical minerals forecast to quadruple by 2040, such measures are seen as vital to translating Africa’s resource base into sustained GDP growth.

AMW 2025 will bring together financiers such as the Africa Finance Corporation, Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, World Mining Investment, Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers, Apeiron Investment Group and Standard Bank to connect with African mining projects. Energy players including the International Renewable Energy Agency, Solink, Juwi Renewables and OilDynamics will also feature, highlighting strategies to ensure resilient power for mining operations.

Producers and processors such as B2Gold, Rand Refinery, Pensana, Valterra, Isondo Precious Metals, Ivanhoe Mines and First Quantum Minerals will showcase projects offering high-return opportunities for investors. Serving as a deal-making platform, AMW will provide space to translate the WEF report’s recommendations into actionable strategies, strengthening Africa’s role in the global energy transition.

African Mining Week 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.