African Mining Week 2026 to Spotlight National Mining Companies as Africa Targets $8.5 Trillion Mineral Opportunity

African governments are increasingly positioning national mining companies (NMCs) at the centre of investment and industrialisation strategies as they seek to unlock an estimated US$8.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources. This shift will be a key focus at the African National Mining Companies Forum, taking place during African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 in Cape Town from 14–16 October.

The forum will bring together state-owned mining enterprises, policymakers and international investors to examine the growing role of national mining companies in driving project development, attracting investment and expanding domestic mineral beneficiation across the continent.

With Africa holding around 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, governments are increasingly using national mining companies not only as state shareholders but also as strategic vehicles to promote value addition, strengthen supply chains and accelerate mining-led industrial development.

National mining companies expand across Africa

Several African countries are strengthening or establishing national mining companies to play a larger role in developing their mineral sectors.

In West Africa, Liberia is advancing plans to establish a National Mining Company to help unlock its iron ore and critical minerals potential, with an estimated 80% of the country’s geology still unexplored. Guinea has established the Nimba Mining Company as part of its Simandou 2040 strategy to maximise value from its iron ore and bauxite resources, while Mali continues to strengthen the role of the Société de Patrimoine Minier du Mali in supporting the development of its gold and lithium industries.

In East Africa, Uganda recently launched the Uganda National Mining Company, which will hold equity stakes of up to 15% in industrial mining projects as the country develops its rare earth, graphite and gold sectors. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo is expanding the role of state-backed entities, including Entreprise Générale du Cobalt and Gécamines, as it seeks to capture more value from its vast critical minerals resources.

In Southern Africa, Zambia is using ZCCM Investments Holdings to attract strategic investment as it works toward increasing copper production to three million tonnes annually by 2031. Zimbabwe is also strengthening Kuvimba Mining House to accelerate the development of its gold, lithium and nickel assets while advancing national beneficiation objectives.

Investment and beneficiation in focus

The African National Mining Companies Forum will provide investors with an opportunity to engage directly with the institutions playing an increasingly influential role in shaping Africa’s mining landscape.

Key discussions will focus on how national mining companies can structure investment partnerships, mobilise capital, strengthen regional cooperation and support downstream mineral processing as African countries seek to capture greater value from their natural resources.

As governments pursue policies aimed at increasing local beneficiation and industrialisation, national mining companies are expected to play an increasingly important role in transforming Africa from a major exporter of raw minerals into a competitive producer of higher-value mineral products.