Standard Bank’s Deerosh Maharaj Joins African Mining Week Advisory Board

Deerosh Maharaj, Executive Head for Energy, Infrastructure and Mining at Standard Bank, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, reinforcing the event’s focus on attracting investment and accelerating growth across Africa’s mining sector.

The appointment brings one of Africa’s leading mining and infrastructure finance experts into a strategic role ahead of African Mining Week, which is scheduled to take place in Cape Town from October 14 to 16, 2026.

Held under the theme “Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value Chain,” the conference is expected to bring together mining companies, project developers, investors, policymakers and industry leaders to explore opportunities across the continent’s mineral and energy sectors.

Maharaj to Help Shape AMW 2026 Agenda

In his new role on the Advisory Board, Maharaj will provide strategic guidance on key industry topics, support stakeholder engagement and help promote participation from senior executives, financiers and government representatives.

Organisers say his appointment reflects African Mining Week’s commitment to leveraging industry expertise to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s mining industry.

According to AMW Event Director Rachelle Kasongo, Maharaj’s extensive experience in investment facilitation, project financing and sustainable development will play a key role in shaping discussions during the event.

She noted that his insights will help ensure the conference agenda remains aligned with industry priorities while encouraging partnerships that drive growth in both mining and energy sectors.

Extensive Experience in Mining and Infrastructure Finance

Maharaj brings more than a decade of experience at Standard Bank, where he has been involved in structuring complex financial transactions and delivering funding solutions across mining, energy and infrastructure projects throughout Africa.

His work has focused on supporting resource development, infrastructure expansion and local beneficiation initiatives aimed at increasing value addition within African economies.

Under his leadership, Standard Bank has expanded its support for mining companies through a range of financial services, including project financing, working capital solutions, foreign exchange risk management, sustainability advisory services and cross-border trade facilitation.

These services have become increasingly important as mining companies expand operations across multiple African jurisdictions and seek funding for large-scale development projects.

Standard Bank Strengthens Presence in Mining Sector

The appointment comes as Standard Bank continues to play a significant role in financing major mining and energy projects across the continent.

Earlier in 2026, the bank acted as a co-mandated lead arranger and lender for a $130 million dual-currency financing package supporting Tharisa Minerals in South Africa.

In Namibia, the financial institution has also supported the expansion of the Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine through a $150 million financing package aimed at increasing production capacity and extending the life of the operation.

Beyond mining, Standard Bank has been actively involved in renewable energy projects designed to support mining operations and improve energy security across Southern Africa.

Among these projects is the 475-megawatt Notsi Solar PV facility, which contributes to the growing adoption of cleaner energy solutions within the mining sector.

Growing Demand for Mining Investment Across Africa

Africa’s mining industry continues to attract increasing global attention as demand rises for critical minerals required for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and industrial manufacturing.

Industry stakeholders have identified access to capital as one of the key factors required to unlock new mining projects and expand existing operations across the continent.

African Mining Week aims to address these challenges by creating a platform where project developers can connect directly with investors, financial institutions and government officials.

Organisers believe stronger collaboration between financiers and mining companies will be essential for accelerating project development and maximising Africa’s mineral potential.

African Mining Week Focuses on Value Addition

A major theme of AMW 2026 will be promoting local beneficiation and strengthening Africa’s mineral value chains.

Industry leaders increasingly argue that African countries must move beyond exporting raw minerals and invest in processing, refining and manufacturing capabilities that generate greater economic value domestically.

With Maharaj’s expertise in financing large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects, conference organisers expect discussions around beneficiation, investment mobilisation and sustainable mining development to feature prominently throughout the event.

Industry Collaboration Expected to Drive Growth

As Africa seeks to position itself as a leading supplier of minerals critical to the global energy transition, collaboration between governments, investors and mining companies is becoming increasingly important.

Maharaj’s appointment to the African Mining Week Advisory Board is expected to strengthen efforts to attract investment, support project development and encourage long-term growth across the continent’s mining industry.

With preparations underway for the October conference, stakeholders are optimistic that the event will generate new partnerships and investment opportunities capable of advancing Africa’s mining and energy sectors.