State-owned mining companies will take centre stage at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 when the conference hosts the African National Mining Companies Forum to examine their expanding role in developing critical minerals and accelerating domestic processing across the continent.
The event, set for 14–16 October in Cape Town, will convene national mining enterprises, government leaders and global investors as Africa positions its state-backed companies at the heart of mineral development strategies.
With competition for critical minerals intensifying, African governments are increasingly shifting national mining companies from passive state shareholders to active project developers capable of securing investment, driving exploration and supporting beneficiation.
The trend comes as the continent seeks to unlock an estimated US$8.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources, including roughly 30 percent of the world’s critical mineral reserves, while reducing its dependence on raw mineral exports.
Across West Africa, Liberia is advancing plans for a national mining company to unlock iron ore and critical minerals potential while Guinea’s Nimba Mining Company forms part of its Simandou 2040 strategy to maximise value from iron ore and bauxite.
Mali has strengthened its Société de Patrimoine Minier du Mali to support gold and lithium development.
In East Africa, Uganda’s new national mining company will hold equity stakes of up to 15 percent in industrial projects as it expands rare earth, graphite and gold production.
The DRC continues to elevate the roles of Gécamines and Entreprise Générale du Cobalt to capture more value from cobalt and other critical minerals.
Southern Africa is also accelerating state-led mineral development.
Zambia is leveraging ZCCM Investments Holdings to attract strategic investment as it targets three million tonnes of copper annually by 2031 while Zimbabwe’s Kuvimba Mining House is driving growth across gold, lithium and nickel assets alongside national beneficiation objectives.
AMW organisers say the forum will give investors direct access to the institutions increasingly shaping mining policy and project development.
Discussions will focus on structuring investment partnerships, mobilising capital, strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating value addition across Africa’s mining sector.
JN/APA