Under the theme – Empowering Africa's Critical Minerals Industry for Global Leadership – the forum engages high-level government officials to explore the role of policy frameworks, infrastructure expansions and international cooperation in driving the growth of Africa’s critical minerals sector. Panelists include Martin Gama Abucha, Minister of Mines of South Sudan; Monica Chang'anamuno, Minister of Mining of Malawi; Louis Kabamba Watum, Minister of Industry and the Development of SMEs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); and HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy of Eswatini.

CMA is the largest gathering of critical mineral stakeholders in Africa. Taking place from November 6 – 7 in Cape Town, the event positions Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. This year’s edition takes place under the theme Innovate, Enact, Invest in African Critical Minerals to Sustain Global Growth, connecting African mining projects and regulators with global investors and stakeholders to untap the full potential of the continent’s raw materials. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting [email protected].

As African mineral producers seek to accelerate private sector investments, strong regulatory environments play a crucial role in attracting investment, ensuring sustainable development and maximizing benefits for local economies. The ministerial panel will discuss best practices and optimal guidelines on resource extraction, environmental protections and revenue-sharing with local communities, as countries like the DRC and Zambia introduce regulations to encourage local processing of minerals like cobalt and lithium. Additionally, the African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to streamline cross-border trade in minerals, further integrating the sector across the continent and boosting intra-African trade in critical resources.

The growth of Africa's critical minerals sector also hinges on robust infrastructure, including transportation, energy and digital connectivity. Efficient transportation networks, including railways, roads and ports, are vital for moving minerals from remote mining areas to processing facilities and global markets, while reliable and affordable electricity is needed to power mining operations and processing plants. Key infrastructure projects include the planned Lobito Corridor – a 1,300-km railway line set to transport minerals from the Copperbelt region for export to global markets – as well as a series of wind and solar power plants to supply mining projects in South Africa and Zambia, ranging from 135 MW to 430 MW.

Meanwhile, international cooperation between African governments and multinational corporations, development agencies and foreign governments serve to bridge gaps in infrastructure, financing and technical know-how. The EU and the US have launched initiatives like the EU's Global Gateway and the US Minerals Security Partnership to support sustainable mining practices across the continent and secure supply chains for minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements. These efforts include capacity-building programs, technology transfer, and investments in local processing facilities, aiming to not only secure global critical minerals supply chains, but also ensure that African countries benefit from their mineral wealth through value addition and economic development.