Digitizing Africa’s Mining Data: A New Frontier for Investment

Across the continent, African governments are accelerating efforts to digitize geological and mining data to attract global investment. From Namibia’s early Earth Data platform to Nigeria’s recently launched Mineral Resources Decision Support System, the trend is clear: open-access mining data is becoming a strategic asset.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has partnered with KoBold Metals to digitize its mining sector, joining countries like Tanzania, Botswana, and Malawi in modernizing their data infrastructure. The Central African Republic is also stepping up, securing $6.4 million from the World Bank to build a digital cadastre and geological information system.

Despite these advances, implementation remains uneven. South Africa’s outdated SAMRAD system has delayed thousands of mining rights applications, prompting calls for reform. Industry leaders like Mark Cutifani urge African nations to embrace transparency and open-source data to unlock the continent’s mineral potential.