MINING INDABA •
MI26 – STRONGER TOGETHER: PROGRESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS
Compiled by Sharon Mdaka, edited by Sharyn Macnamara be woven into all key programmes, ensuring relevance for every attendee, from miners to downstream buyers.
MI26 striving for collaborative efforts to move the African mining industry forward in 2026.
The 2026 edition of the Investing in African Mining Indaba( MI26), due to run from 9 – 12 February, is set to be the biggest in its history. Under the theme“ Stronger together: Progress through partnerships”, MI26 promises to redefine Africa’ s mining future by championing collaboration within the industry.
MI26’ s theme highlights the need for collaborative efforts among leaders of governments, businesses, investors and communities to address the challenges and present opportunities faced by the sector. MI26 is calling on Africa to take its position on the world stage. With emphasis on the global demand for critical minerals, the continent’ s role is shifting from resource supplier to indispensable partner in powering the energy transition, industrial growth and global security – and it is time now to leverage this opportunity.
Product director of MI26, Laura Nicholson, emphasises that the African mining sector cannot afford to operate in silos, stating that the future of African mining demands collective action.“ Our mission is to unlock transformative solutions through partnerships. Only a united, forward-looking industry can embrace innovation, secure investment and build a resilient, inclusive future.”
Kwasi Ampofo, Mining Indaba advisory board member and head of metals and mining at BloombergNEF, adds that co-operation has been made more urgent by contemporary trends like the " Trump factor ", which has seen minerals become a national security issue. This could be an opportunity – if African countries spoke with one voice.
Furthermore, with advanced technology reshaping how the industry is moving forward, MI26 is positioning itself at the forefront of disruptive technology in mining. For the first time, the exhibition component of the event will span CTICC one and CTICC two to serve delegates and exhibitors, while global tech leaders like Microsoft, SAP, Huawei and Mineral X will be present to explore how Africa can best adopt advancing technology.
Nicholson notes that at MI26, sustainability will not be placed in a thematic category, but that sustainability conversations will now
The organisation is calling for critical constituencies to converge for the industry to thrive. Ampofo highlights key areas the industry can utilise to become stronger, in line with the MI26 mission for the sector. These include, among others, unlocking capital for attendees and infrastructure development for airports, roads, rail and ports and renewable energy( energy accounts for up to 40 % of mining costs), all of which remain critical for attracting mining investment.
Ampofo explains that while the China boom was a sellers ' market, the next supercycle will be a buyers ' market and buyers should come together to forge a common future. In line with this trend, a dedicated Downstream Buyers Programme has been introduced as a new segment to MI26, providing a platform for mining companies to connect potential buyers from different industries, such as the automotive, chemical, medical, aerospace and renewable energy. Aligning mining companies with industries that consume minerals to refine local beneficiation strategies and strengthen economic resilience is a clear objective for MI26.
As part of moving the industry forward, Mpofo contends that skills development and training on application systems such as AI are crucial for the future of mining in Africa.
MI26 will host a Young Professionals Programme, in partnership with the Minerals Council SA, will ensure young mining role players are involved across the entire week of the official event, with PhD students participating in key discussions.
With the customary Ministerial symposium set to bring heads of state and government ministers together with industry leaders to partner on mapping a mining and minerals strategy for the continent, audiences can also expect an increased number of CEOs from the majors participating in discussions, as well as encouraged involvement from junior and emerging miners in the exploration sectors.
MI26 emphasises that Africa is no longer a passive supplier. The continent holds the keys to global decarbonisation, industrialisation and security. As geopolitical tensions, new trade blocs and resource nationalism reshape supply chains, MI26 aims to be a catalyst for driving Africa’ s mining growth.
“ The convening power of Mining Indaba is unmatched,” Nicholson concludes.“ By bringing every stakeholder – government, investor, miner, buyer, community and innovator – into one room, we can shape the future of mining together. And the future starts now.”
References:
1. https:// miningindaba. com / articles / mining-indaba-2026-set-to-redefineafricas-mi
2. https:// miningindaba. com / home
Supplied by Minerals Council South Africa www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2026 • 29