AFRICA’S MINERAL WEALTH CAN ONLY THRIVE THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS, SAYS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA AT MINING INDABA.

AFRICA’S MINERAL WEALTH CAN ONLY THRIVE THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS, SAYS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA AT MINING INDABA.

The 32nd Investing in African Mining Indaba opened in Cape Town with a strong call for unity and collective action across the continent’s mining sector. Delivering the welcoming remarks, Mining Indaba Advisory Board Chairman Mr Frans Baleni said the Indaba remained a gathering to discuss serious matters and a platform where Africa’s voice is amplified and its future shaped. He welcomed the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, alongside ministers, premiers, investors, traditional leaders and industry stakeholders. Baleni said Africa’s mining sector must rise to the level of global influence, drive sustainable development and position the continent as a pillar of growth and stability amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

In his keynote address, President Hichilema said Africa’s mineral wealth could only translate into prosperity if unlocked through strategic and transparent partnerships. He said Zambia had placed the revitalisation of its mining sector at the centre of its economic agenda by creating regulatory certainty, strengthening institutions and promoting accountability. The President explained that Zambia had turned its economy around from negative growth to more than six percent within four years, while inflation had dropped from over 20 percent to single digits. He added that more than 12 billion United States dollars in new investment had flowed into the country since 2022, largely into mining, and that copper production had continued to rise as Zambia works towards a target of three million tonnes annually.

President Hichilema said Africa must take leadership in designing its own recovery programmes and invite institutions such as the IMF to support clearly defined national strategies. He noted that mining should not only focus on extraction but also on beneficiation, regional value chains and infrastructure development, including strategic transport corridors. He emphasised that mining must deliver jobs, business opportunities for small and medium enterprises, and expanded social programmes such as free education, which in Zambia now supports over two million learners.

Throughout the week, panel discussions and high-level engagements focused on critical minerals, the global energy transition and inclusive growth. Minister Mantashe said African countries must act collectively and negotiate with one voice in order to secure fair mining and beneficiation deals that benefit their people.

The Indaba concluded with vibrant exhibitions showcasing innovation, technology and investment opportunities across the mining value chain. Zambian companies and organisations were among those exhibiting, including ZCCM Investments Holdings and Absa Bank Zambia, alongside other industry players. Their participation highlighted Zambia’s growing footprint in the regional and global mining landscape. As the event closed, stakeholders reaffirmed that the future of Africa’s mining sector lies in stronger partnerships, responsible resource management and a shared commitment to ensuring that mineral wealth translates into sustainable development for the continent.